About Ursodeoxycholic Acid 300 mg Tablet
Ursodeoxycholic Acid 300 mg Tablet contains Ursodeoxycholic Acid 300 mg. Ursodeoxycholic acid is a bile acid medicine. It is used to slowly dissolve certain small gallstones made of cholesterol, and to treat some long-term liver conditions that affect the bile ducts, such as primary biliary cholangitis. It is usually taken for several months, with regular check-ups.
Uses of Ursodeoxycholic Acid 300 mg Tablet
- Dissolving small cholesterol gallstones in people with a working gallbladder
- Primary biliary cholangitis (a long-term liver condition affecting the bile ducts)
- Other liver and bile conditions, as advised by a specialist
Benefits
In gallstones
It reduces the amount of cholesterol in bile, which can help suitable gallstones slowly dissolve over months. Not all gallstones respond.
In liver conditions
It helps bile flow and protects liver cells from harmful bile acids. Regular blood tests check how well it is working.
Side effects
Loose stools are the most common side effect. Tell your doctor if diarrhoea does not settle.
Common
- Loose stools or diarrhoea
- Stomach discomfort
- Nausea
Get medical help if you notice
- Severe pain in the upper right side of the stomach — contact your doctor
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes, or swelling of the tummy — contact your doctor
- Allergic reaction: rash, swelling of the face or lips, difficulty breathing — seek emergency care
How to use
Take it exactly as your doctor prescribed, with food. It is often taken with the evening meal. Swallow the tablet with water.
How it works
It is a natural bile acid. It lowers the amount of cholesterol the liver puts into bile and replaces harsher bile acids, which helps bile flow and protects liver cells.
Safety advice
Alcohol Caution
No direct interaction is known, but alcohol can harm the liver. Limit or avoid it, especially if you have liver disease.
Pregnancy Consult your doctor
Labelling advises it should not be used in pregnancy unless clearly needed. Talk to your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy.
Breastfeeding Consult your doctor
Ask your doctor before using it while breastfeeding.
Driving Safe
It is not expected to affect your ability to drive.
Kidney Consult your doctor
Limited information is available. Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease.
Liver Caution
It is used to treat some liver diseases, but your doctor will check your liver tests regularly. It should not be used in some severe or advanced liver conditions.
If you miss a dose
If you miss a dose, take it with food when you remember. If it is nearly time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Do not take two doses together.
Quick tips
- Take it with food, often the evening meal.
- Keep your regular blood tests and scans so your doctor can check progress.
- Keep cholesterol-binding medicines and aluminium antacids at least two hours apart from it.
- Contact your doctor if you get sudden severe stomach pain.
Substitutes
Same salts in the same strength from other makers. Only switch brands on your doctor's or pharmacist's advice; our pharmacist checks every order against the prescription.
Fact box
- Chemical class
- Bile acid
- Therapeutic class
- Gastrointestinal / liver
- Action class
- Hydrophilic bile acid (gallstone-dissolving agent)
- Habit forming
- No
- Prescription
- Required
Interactions with other medicines
Tell your doctor and pharmacist about every medicine, vitamin and herbal product you take.
| Medicine | What can happen |
|---|---|
| Cholestyramine, colestipol and aluminium-containing antacids | Bind to it and reduce its absorption; take them at least two hours apart |
| Ciclosporin | Ursodeoxycholic acid may change ciclosporin levels; blood levels may need checking |
| Oestrogen hormones and some cholesterol medicines (fibrates) | May increase gallstone formation and reduce its effect on gallstones |
This page is general information to help you understand your medicine. It is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Do not start, stop or change a medicine on your own.
Written by the Asthra Health Care team from the approved prescribing information (Ursodeoxycholic acid prescribing information (CDSCO-approved labelling); Ursodeoxycholic acid Summary of Product Characteristics (EMC)). Pharmacist review pending.