The U.S. FDA-approved Ursodeoxycholic acid to treat people with liver and gallbladder conditions on 12th Oct 1997. 

Ursodeoxycholic acid is used to treat primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), cystic fibrosis (a liver disease in children aged between 6 to 18 years), and gallstone (not visible on plain X-ray) by increasing bile acid flow and promoting secretion of bile acids.

The Ursodeoxycholic acid tablet is taken after a meal with a glass of milk or a small snack Avoid chewing, breaking, or crushing it. Your physician will choose the dosage based on your medical condition because it differs for each person. Only stop taking Ursodeoxycholic acid if your doctor advises you to stop.

The most common side effects of Ursodeoxycholic acid are diarrhea, rash, abdominal pain, and pasty stool. 

Notify your doctor if you have a history of a liver bleeding disorder and any liver-related condition such as hepatic encephalopathy (nervous system disorder caused by severe liver disorder). Before starting the treatment, notify your doctor if you have recently had surgery in any part of your intestine. Certain medications such as cholestyramine, colestipol, cyclosporin, nitrendipine, birth control pill, blood thinner, and antacids may interact with Ursodeoxycholic acid and reduce effectiveness, causing undesirable side effects. So inform your doctor if you take any other medications.

Before starting the treatment, your doctor may monitor your liver function every four weeks during the first three months. This monitoring would also enable early detection of acute live failure, especially in people with advanced primary biliary cholangitis. Inform your physician if you experience allergic reactions to Ursodeoxycholic acid. Before starting the treatment, inform your doctor if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby because your physician shall prescribe Ursodeoxycholic acid only if it is essential. Consult your doctor for more information. It is unsafe to consume alcohol because it can cause excessive drowsiness. Consult your doctor for more information. 

Report to your doctor if you have any underlying kidney condition because there is limited information on the use of this tablet in patients with kidney disease. Keep Ursodeoxycholic acid out of sight and reach of children. Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.  Store below 25oC. Do not refrigerate or freeze. There is no interaction with the driving ability or the ability to operate machines. Contact your doctor for more concerns. Notify your doctor if you have or have had any history of lung condition  Please speak with your physician.

1. Glenmark Pharmaceuticals, Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC), [Revised on Mar 2019] [Accessed on 09h Apr 2023] https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.10064.pdf
2. Anthony Gamboa et al., The Therapeutic Role of Ursodeoxycholic Acid in Digestive Diseases, Annals of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, 2011, [Accessed on 09h Apr 2023]   https://www.researchgate.net/publication/265075464_The_Therapeutic_Role_of_Ursodeoxycholic_Acid_in_Digestive_Diseases 

The drug information on this page is not a substitute for medical advice. It is meant for educational purposes only. For further details, consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you are eligible to receive this treatment.