What is ursodeoxycholic acid?
Ursodeoxycholic acid tablets are one of the bile acids, both naturally found in the body and administered as therapy. The drug is mainly provided for patients who cannot have surgery and is meant to dissolve small cholesterol gallstones or other diseases concerning the liver and gallbladder, such as primary biliary cholangitis. It also acts by breaking down cholesterol within the intestines from where it comes from.
What are the Uses of Ursodeoxycholic Acid Tablets?
Uses of Ursodeoxycholic Acid Tablets
- Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC): The other disease is PBC, which is a chronic liver disease with progressive damage to bile ducts. Ursodeoxycholic acid is a known treatment for this disease and reduces the symptoms of this disease while improving the function of the liver.
- Gallstone Dissolution: It has good efficacy in dissolving cholesterol gallstones, especially for those patients who would rather not have surgery or are not candidates for surgery. Treatment targets small to medium-sized gallstones.
- Prevention of Gallstones: The preventive medicine for the creation of gallstones in obese populations who undergo rapid weight reduction is ursodeoxycholic acid. There is an increased risk that such individuals will develop gallstones. It is also given to patients with obesity not to develop gallstones at rapid weight loss due to being prone to having gallstones.
- Cystic Fibrosis-Related Liver Disease: Ursodeoxycholic acid might be of benefit to managing cystic fibrosis-related problems in children aged 6 to 18 years.
- Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD): It may be useful in situations such as non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), where it reduces liver inflammation and fibrotic indicators.
- Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy: Ursodeoxycholic acid is sometimes used to manage cholestasis during pregnancy, which affects bile flow and can lead to complications for both the mother and the fetus.
Mechanism of Action
Ursodeoxycholic Acid works by:
- Reducing cholesterol production in the liver.
- Increasing bile acid solubility helps dissolve existing cholesterol gallstones and prevents new ones from forming.
- Decreasing toxic bile acid levels that can accumulate in PBC, thereby protecting liver cells.
How to take the Ursodeoxycholic Acid Tablets
To take ursodeoxycholic acid tablets effectively, follow these guidelines:
- Dosage:
- The dosage of ursodeoxycholic acid varies based on the condition being treated and the patient’s body weight.
- For Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC):
- Adults typically take 12–15 mg/kg per day, divided into 2-4 doses for the first three months. After this period, if liver function improves, the dose may be taken once daily in the evening.
- For Gallstone Dissolution:
- The recommended dosage is generally 8–12 mg/kg per day, which can be taken as a single dose at bedtime or divided into two doses throughout the day.
- Timing:
- Take these medicines with food to improve the absorption. It is recommended to have them with a glass of milk and a small snack.
- Take the dosages in multiple equal installments throughout the day, at least two pills after dinner.
- Swallowing:
- Swallow the tablets whole with water. If you have trouble swallowing, some of the formulations can be split into two if they are scored.
- Missed Dose:
- If you miss a dose, take it once you remember. However, do not double the dosages to catch up with the missed ones.
- Duration of Treatment:
- The treatment of gallstones usually lasts for three to four months after the ultrasonography has proven the gallstones to have been dissolved. Usually, PBC treatment takes a long period to sustain liver function.
- Monitoring:
- This medication should be monitored regularly to assess the effectiveness of the drug, and dosage can be changed as per requirements within the first few months of treatment.
What are the side effects of using ursodeoxycholic acid tablets?
Ursodeoxycholic acid tablets have many side effects that could range from mild to moderate to severe. The possible side effects of this medication include the following:
Common Side Effects
These side effects are generally mild and may not require medical attention unless they persist or worsen.
- Abdominal aching refers to pain in the abdominal region.
- Diarrhea is loose bowel movements that may be very frequent.
- Nausea is a feeling of queasiness that can result in vomiting.
- Dizziness is a feeling of dizziness or lightheadedness.
- Indigestion: indigestion and bloating of the abdomen due to trouble digesting food.
- Hair loss occurs when hair falls off or thickens and decreases.
- Rash or itching: Different levels of skin reactions
- Fatigue: Feeling of persistent exhaustion or low energy.
Serious Side Effects
These require immediate medical attention:
- Some reactions are severe; they include shortness of breath, swelling of the face or neck, hives, and intense itching.
- Black or tarry stools: This can be a sign of the presence of some gastrointestinal bleeding. This should be seriously communicated to a doctor right away.
- A person may experience painful and frequent urination, indicating the possibility of a urinary tract infection.
- Pain that doesn’t make sense could mean that something else is seriously wrong.
Other Possible Side Effects
Less common side effects that may occur include:
- Chest pain: Discomfort in the chest area that may suggest a variety of diseases.
- Upper respiratory infections can cause coughs, sore throats, and sinus discomfort.
- Gastrointestinal problems include constipation and flatulence.
Monitoring and Precautions
Taking Ursodeoxycholic Acid Patients should regularly report to the doctor for assessment of their liver function and any side effects. The patient should report any unexpected symptoms or significant changes in the condition while on treatment with this drug.
Frequently Asked Question
Question. What are the benefits of ursodeoxycholic acid tablets?
Answer. It reduces the cholesterol fraction of biliary lipids.
Question. What foods should I avoid when taking ursodeoxycholic acid?
Answer. Try to avoid foods that are high in calories or cholesterol.
Question. Why is ursodeoxycholic acid taken at night?
Answer. Ursodeoxycholic acid is often taken at night to align with the body’s natural bile production for better absorption and effectiveness.
Question. What is the purpose of ursodeoxycholic acid tablets?
Answer. Ursodeoxycholic acid is a medication used to manage and treat cholestatic liver disease.
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