Ursodiol
Generic Name: ursodiol
Brand Names:
Ursodiol
DESCRIPTION Ursodiol Capsules, USP are a bile acid available as 300 mg capsules suitable for oral administration. Ursodiol (ursodeoxycholic acid) is a naturally occurring bile acid found in small quantities in normal human bile and in the biles of certain other mammals. It is a white or almost white crystalline powder freely soluble in alcohol and in glacial acetic acid, sparingly soluble in chloroform, slightly soluble in ether; practically insoluble in water.
Overview
DESCRIPTION Ursodiol Capsules, USP are a bile acid available as 300 mg capsules suitable for oral administration. Ursodiol (ursodeoxycholic acid) is a naturally occurring bile acid found in small quantities in normal human bile and in the biles of certain other mammals. It is a white or almost white crystalline powder freely soluble in alcohol and in glacial acetic acid, sparingly soluble in chloroform, slightly soluble in ether; practically insoluble in water.
Uses
INDICATIONS & USAGE 1. Ursodiol capsules, USP are indicated for patients with radiolucent, noncalcified gallbladder stones < 20 mm in greatest diameter in whom elective cholecystectomy would be undertaken except for the presence of increased surgical risk due to systemic disease, advanced age, idiosyncratic reaction to general anesthesia, or for those patients who refuse surgery. Safety of use of ursodiol capsules beyond 24 months is not established. 2. Ursodiol capsules are indicated for the prevention of gallstone formation in obese patients experiencing rapid weight loss.
Dosage
DOSAGE & ADMINISTRATION Gallstone Dissolution The recommended dose for Ursodiol capsules treatment of radiolucent gallbladder stones is 8 - 10 mg/kg/day given in 2 or 3 divided doses. Ultrasound images of the gallbladder should be obtained at 6-month intervals for the first year of Ursodiol capsules therapy to monitor gallstone response. If gallstones appear to have dissolved, Ursodiol capsules therapy should be continued and dissolution confirmed on a repeat ultrasound examination within 1 to 3 months. Most patients who eventually achieve complete stone dissolution will show partial or complete dissolution at the first on treatment reevaluation. If partial stone dissolution is not seen by 12 months of Ursodiol capsules therapy, the likelihood of success is greatly reduced.
Side Effects
ADVERSE REACTIONS The nature and frequency of adverse experiences were similar across all groups. The following tables provide comprehensive listings of the adverse experiences reported that occurred with a 5% incidence level: GALLSTONE DISSOLUTION Ursodiol Placebo 8-10 mg/kg/day - (N=155) (N=159) N (%) N (%) Body as a Whole Allergy 8 (5.2) 7 (4.4) Chest Pain 5 (3.2) 10 (6.3) Fatigue 7 (4.5) 8 (5.0) Infection Viral 30 (19.4) 41 (25.8) Digestive System Abdominal Pain 67 (43.2) 70 (44.0) Cholecystitis 8 (5.2) 7 (4.4) Constipation 15 (9.7) 14 (8.8) Diarrhea 42 (27.1) 34 (21.4) Dyspepsia 26 (16.8) 18 (11.3) Flatulence 12 (7.7) 12 (7.5) Gastrointestinal Disorder 6 (3.9) 8 (5.0) Nausea 22 (14.2) 27 (17.0) Vomiting 15 (9.7) 11 (6.9) Musculoskeletal System Arthralgia 12 (7.7) 24 (15.1) Arthritis 9...
Interactions
Drug Interactions Bile acid sequestering agents such as cholestyramine and colestipol may interfere with the action of Ursodiol by reducing its absorption. Aluminum-based antacids have been shown to adsorb bile acids in vitro and may be expected to interfere with Ursodiol in the same manner as the bile acid sequestering agents. Estrogens, oral contraceptives, and clofibrate (and perhaps other lipid-lowering drugs) increase hepatic cholesterol secretion, and encourage cholesterol gallstone formation and hence may counteract the effectiveness of Ursodiol.
Warnings
WARNINGS Enteroliths in Patients with Risk for Intestinal Stenosis or Stasis There have been rare postmarketing reports of ursodiol-treated patients who developed enteroliths (bezoars) resulting in obstructive symptoms that required surgical intervention. These patients had medical conditions that predisposed them to intestinal stenosis or stasis (e.g., surgical enteroanastomoses, Crohn's disease). If a patient presents with obstructive gastrointestinal symptoms, hold ursodiol until a clinical evaluation has been conducted. CONTRAINDICATIONS 1. Ursodiol capsules will not dissolve calcified cholesterol stones, radiopaque stones, or radiolucent bile pigment stones. Hence, patients with such stones are not candidates for Ursodiol therapy. 2.
Pregnancy
Pregnancy Reproduction studies have been performed in rats and rabbits with ursodiol doses up to 200-fold the therapeutic dose and have revealed no evidence of impaired fertility or harm to the fetus at doses of 20- to 100-fold the human dose in rats and at 5-fold the human dose (highest dose tested) in rabbits. Studies employing 100- to 200-fold the human dose in rats have shown some reduction in fertility rate and litter size.
Storage
HOW SUPPLIED Ursodiol Capsules, USP are beige opaque color capsule plain on the cap and imprinted with ‘E33’ on the body of the capsule in black ink filled with white to off white granular powder. Bottles of 100 NDC 72789-205-01 Store at 20°C to 25°C (68° to 77°F). [See USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Dispense in tight container as defined in the USP with a child-resistant closure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ursodiol used for?▼
INDICATIONS & USAGE 1. Ursodiol capsules, USP are indicated for patients with radiolucent, noncalcified gallbladder stones < 20 mm in greatest diameter in whom elective cholecystectomy would be undertaken except for the presence of increased surgical risk due to systemic disease, advanced age, idiosyncratic reaction to general anesthesia, or for those patients who refuse surgery. Safety of use of ursodiol capsules beyond 24 months is not established. 2. Ursodiol capsules are indicated for the prevention of gallstone formation in obese patients experiencing rapid weight loss.
What are the side effects of Ursodiol?▼
ADVERSE REACTIONS The nature and frequency of adverse experiences were similar across all groups. The following tables provide comprehensive listings of the adverse experiences reported that occurred with a 5% incidence level: GALLSTONE DISSOLUTION Ursodiol Placebo 8-10 mg/kg/day - (N=155) (N=159) N (%) N (%) Body as a Whole Allergy 8 (5.2) 7 (4.4) Chest Pain 5 (3.2) 10 (6.3) Fatigue 7 (4.5) 8 (5.0) Infection Viral 30 (19.4) 41 (25.8) Digestive System Abdominal Pain 67 (43.2) 70 (44.0) Cholecystitis 8 (5.2) 7 (4.4) Constipation 15 (9.7) 14 (8.8) Diarrhea 42 (27.1) 34 (21.4) Dyspepsia 26 (16.8) 18 (11.3) Flatulence 12 (7.7) 12 (7.5) Gastrointestinal Disorder 6 (3.9) 8 (5.0) Nausea 22 (14.2) 27 (17.0) Vomiting 15 (9.7) 11 (6.9) Musculoskeletal System Arthralgia 12 (7.7) 24 (15.1) Arthritis 9...
Can I take Ursodiol during pregnancy?▼
Pregnancy Reproduction studies have been performed in rats and rabbits with ursodiol doses up to 200-fold the therapeutic dose and have revealed no evidence of impaired fertility or harm to the fetus at doses of 20- to 100-fold the human dose in rats and at 5-fold the human dose (highest dose tested) in rabbits. Studies employing 100- to 200-fold the human dose in rats have shown some reduction in fertility rate and litter size.
What are the important warnings for Ursodiol?▼
WARNINGS Enteroliths in Patients with Risk for Intestinal Stenosis or Stasis There have been rare postmarketing reports of ursodiol-treated patients who developed enteroliths (bezoars) resulting in obstructive symptoms that required surgical intervention. These patients had medical conditions that predisposed them to intestinal stenosis or stasis (e.g., surgical enteroanastomoses, Crohn's disease). If a patient presents with obstructive gastrointestinal symptoms, hold ursodiol until a clinical evaluation has been conducted. CONTRAINDICATIONS 1. Ursodiol capsules will not dissolve calcified cholesterol stones, radiopaque stones, or radiolucent bile pigment stones. Hence, patients with such stones are not candidates for Ursodiol therapy. 2.
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Medical Disclaimer
This drug information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Drug information is sourced from the FDA National Drug Code Directory and Structured Product Labeling. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.