Ursodeoxycholic Acid
Pronunciation: (ur-soe-dee-ox-ee-KOH-lik AS-id).
- Generic name
- Ursodeoxycholic acid
- Brand names
- Ursofalk, Urso, Ursodeoxycholic Acid, Urso Forte, Ursosan, Udiliv
- Drug class
- Bile acid
Availability and supply rules vary by country
Trade names by country: India
Australia: · Full directory
What Ursodeoxycholic acid is and how it works
Uses, formulations, monitoring, and supply rules can differ by patient, product, and country. Follow the exact local product information and professional advice.
Mechanism of action: how Ursodeoxycholic acid works
Ursodeoxycholic acid is a hydrophilic bile acid that reduces the cholesterol content of bile by suppressing hepatic synthesis and secretion of cholesterol and by inhibiting its intestinal absorption. It stabilizes hepatocyte canalicular membranes, protects cholangiocytes from cytotoxicity of hydrophobic bile acids, and stimulates bile secretion, thereby improving cholestasis. (1)
What Ursodeoxycholic acid is used for
Ursodeoxycholic acid is a medication used to dissolve certain types of gallstones and to treat primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), a chronic liver disease. It works by decreasing the production of cholesterol and by dispersing cholesterol into bile, which helps dissolve cholesterol-rich gallstones and improves bile flow in the liver. This medicine is not effective for all types of gallstones, especially those that are calcified.
Extracted from the clinician-authored database description field (no separate structured indications list was present in the DB record for this medicine).
Before taking Ursodeoxycholic acid
Do not take / not appropriate for
- Do not take ursodeoxycholic acid for gallstone dissolution if your stones are calcified cholesterol stones, radio-opaque stones, or radiolucent bile pigment stones. It will not dissolve these stones, so it is not a suitable treatment. (all countries)
- Do not take ursodeoxycholic acid for gallstone dissolution if you have a compelling reason for gallbladder removal, such as unremitting acute cholecystitis, cholangitis, biliary obstruction, gallstone pancreatitis, or a biliary-gastrointestinal fistula. Surgery, not bile acid therapy, is the appropriate treatment. (all countries)
- Do not take ursodeoxycholic acid if you are allergic to bile acids. (all countries)
Tell your clinician about
- If your gallbladder stops being visible on imaging during treatment (gallbladder non-visualisation) — this predicts that the stones will not dissolve completely and treatment should be stopped.
- Any condition that narrows or slows the bowel, such as previous bowel surgery with a join (enteroanastomosis) or Crohn’s disease — rare cases of enteroliths (bezoars) causing obstruction have been reported.
- All other medicines you take, particularly antacids containing aluminium, cholestyramine or colestipol, which can bind ursodeoxycholic acid and reduce its effect.
- Any worsening of liver blood tests, itching, or jaundice.
- Pregnancy, plans for pregnancy, or breastfeeding.
How to take Ursodeoxycholic acid
- General Instructions: Take ursodeoxycholic acid exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not increase or decrease your dose without consulting your healthcare provider.. Adult Dosing: For gallstone dissolution: 8-10 mg/kg/day in 2-3 divided doses. For primary biliary cholangitis: 13-15 mg/kg/day in 2-4 divided doses. Dosing may vary based on indication and patient factors.. Pediatric Dosing: Dosing in children is determined by body weight and the specific liver condition. Typical doses range from 10-20 mg/kg/day in divided doses. Always follow pediatric specialist recommendations.. Administration: Take with food or milk to reduce stomach upset. Swallow tablets or capsules whole with a glass of water.. When To Seek Review: Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor, even if you feel well. Treatment duration is often several months or longer.. Storage: Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep out of reach of children.
- This page does not provide a dose calculator. Dosing must follow the prescriber, pharmacist, or product label.
Procedures and treatment changes
Tell the treating team before surgery, procedures, or any medicine change. Do not alter treatment without the responsible clinician.
Missed dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. do not take an extra dose to catch up.
Overdose
In case of overdose, seek emergency medical attention or call your local poison control center. Symptoms may include severe diarrhea, abdominal pain, or vomiting. Supportive care is usually required.
Side effects
Side effects and their urgency vary; report severe, persistent, or concerning symptoms to a healthcare professional.
The most common side effects include mild diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, headache, and mild skin rash. Most people tolerate the medication well and side effects are usually temporary.
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Warning sign
What to notice: Persistent or severe abdominal pain Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice) Dark urine or pale stools Unusual fatigue or weakness Signs of allergic reaction (rash, itching, swelling, difficulty breathing)
What to do: Seek immediate medical attention if you experience severe abdominal pain, signs of liver problems (such as jaundice, dark urine, or pale stools), severe allergic reactions (swelling of face/tongue/throat, difficulty breathing), or severe diarrhea and dehydration. (1)
Serious warnings
Not effective for calcified or pigment gallstones — serious
Symptoms: Not effective for calcified or pigment gallstones. Use with caution in patients with advanced liver disease. Monitor liver function tests regularly. May interact with certain cholesterol-lowering drugs (e.g., cholestyramine). Not recommended in pregnancy unless clearly needed.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated.
Contraindications recorded in the clinician database — serious
Symptoms: Contraindications recorded in the clinician database: Contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to ursodeoxycholic acid, acute cholecystitis, complete biliary obstruction, and calcified or radiopaque gallstones. Use with caution in patients with advanced hepatic impairment, and monitor for worsening liver function.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated.
Interactions
| Medicine or test | Effect | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Recorded interactions | Ursodeoxycholic acid may interact with bile acid sequestrants (such as cholestyramine, colestipol), certain antacids, cyclosporine, and oral contraceptives. These interactions can reduce the effectiveness of ursodeoxycholic acid or increase the risk of side effects. Always inform your healthcare provider about all medications and supplements you are taking. | (1) |
Pregnancy, breastfeeding, kidney/liver function, age
Pregnancy
Pregnancy category B; use only if clearly needed.
Breastfeeding
Excreted in breast milk; caution is advised when administered to nursing mothers.
Children
Frequency: Not applicable.. Weight Based: Not recommended for pediatric use.. Max Daily Dose: Not applicable.. Max Single Dose: Not applicable.. Age Restrictions: Safety not established in children.
Renal_impairment
Renal impairment: No specific dosage adjustments are recommended for renal impairment. Hepatic impairment: Use with caution; dosage adjustments may be necessary based on liver function. Elderly: No specific dosage adjustments are necessary; however, monitor for potential increased sensitivity.
Hepatic_impairment
Renal impairment: No specific dosage adjustments are recommended for renal impairment. Hepatic impairment: Use with caution; dosage adjustments may be necessary based on liver function. Elderly: No specific dosage adjustments are necessary; however, monitor for potential increased sensitivity.
Monitoring
Storage
The clinician-authored database record does not specify storage conditions for this medicine. As an oral capsule/tablet, standard practice is to store at 20-25 degrees C (68-77 degrees F), away from moisture and heat, out of reach of children; follow the specific product's own label for confirmation.
Professional information
Clinician-facing context only. This section does not replace current product labeling.
General
Indication: Gallstone dissolution / primary biliary cholangitis
Dose summary: Initial dose of 13-15 mg/kg/day, taken in divided doses with food.
Renal context: No specific dosage adjustments are recommended for renal impairment. (1)
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take for ursodeoxycholic acid to work?
It may take several months to see the full effects of ursodeoxycholic acid, especially for gallstone dissolution or improvement in liver function. Your doctor will monitor your progress with regular tests.
Can ursodeoxycholic acid cure gallstones?
Ursodeoxycholic acid can dissolve certain cholesterol-rich gallstones, but it is not effective for all types. It does not prevent new stones from forming, and some patients may require other treatments.
Is ursodeoxycholic acid safe during pregnancy?
Ursodeoxycholic acid should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed and prescribed by your doctor. Discuss risks and benefits with your healthcare provider.
What should I do if I experience severe side effects?
If you experience severe abdominal pain, jaundice, allergic reactions, or other serious symptoms, seek immediate medical attention; let the clinician you see advise on whether to continue or stop the medication.
Can I drink alcohol while taking ursodeoxycholic acid?
It is best to avoid alcohol while taking ursodeoxycholic acid, as alcohol can increase liver strain and worsen liver disease.
Do I need regular blood tests while on this medication?
Yes, your doctor will order regular blood tests to monitor your liver function and ensure the medication is working safely.
Can children take ursodeoxycholic acid?
Yes, ursodeoxycholic acid can be prescribed for children with certain liver conditions, but dosing is carefully adjusted by a pediatric specialist.
What happens if I take too much Ursodeoxycholic acid?
Taking too much Ursodeoxycholic acid can lead to severe diarrhea, abdominal pain, and nausea. While generally not life-threatening, an overdose can cause significant discomfort and dehydration. If you suspect an overdose, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention or contact emergency services for guidance and treatment.
What is the mechanism of action of Ursodeoxycholic acid?
Ursodeoxycholic acid is a hydrophilic bile acid that reduces the cholesterol content of bile by suppressing hepatic synthesis and secretion of cholesterol and by inhibiting its intestinal absorption. It stabilizes hepatocyte canalicular membranes, protects cholangiocytes from cytotoxicity of hydrophobic bile acids, and stimulates bile secretion, thereby improving cholestasis. (1)
What is the generic name of Ursodeoxycholic Acid?
The generic name is Ursodeoxycholic acid. It is sold under brand names including Ursofalk, Urso, Ursodeoxycholic Acid, Urso Forte, Ursosan, Udiliv.
What class of drug is Ursodeoxycholic acid?
Ursodeoxycholic Acid is classed as: Bile acid.
References
- Ursodeoxycholic acid - MedGuideGlobal Clinician RecordMedGuideGlobal clinician-authored medicine record · null · accessed 2026-08-07 · source 1
- URSODEOXYCHOLIC ACID (URSODIOL) POWDER [BLUEBAY SHANDONG CO.,LTD] — US prescribing information (DailyMed SPL)U.S. National Library of Medicine (DailyMed) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 2
- Ursodiol — patient drug information (MedlinePlus)U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 3
- Ursodeoxycholic acid — RxNorm normalized drug concept (RXCUI 11065)U.S. National Library of Medicine (RxNorm) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 4
Brand names by country
Single-ingredient Ursodeoxycholic acid names are shown separately by country. Product availability, strengths, and supply rules can change; combination products are not included here.
Priority countries
India
- UdilivSolvay
- UrsofalkZydus
- UrsodilZydus
- UdihepWin Medicare
- Udihep ForteWin Medicare
- HepakindMankind
- UrsolicStadmed
- Livinex-UDAronex
- U-LicSystemic
- UrsoftBiophar Rech