Medicine Information

Duoliv

Name: Duoliv
Brand: Duoliv
Rating: 4.5 (117 reviews)

Tablet5 mgCholagogues, Cholelitholytics & Hepatic ProtectorsATC: A05AA02

Generic Name

duoliv-5-mg-tablet

Manufacturer

Incepta Pharmaceuticals Ltd.

Country

Bangladesh

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Price Details

Current market pricing information

Variant	Unit Price	Strip Price
duoliv 5 mg tablet	৳ 30.00	৳ 300.00

Description

Overview of the medicine

Duoliv 5 mg Tablet is understood to contain Ursodeoxycholic Acid (UDCA), a naturally occurring bile acid. While UDCA is typically used in much higher doses for conditions such as gallstone dissolution and primary biliary cholangitis, this 5 mg formulation suggests a potential niche application, possibly for very mild hepatoprotection, specific pediatric use, or as a component in a combination therapy, where its efficacy at this low dose would need to be clinically established.

Uses & Indications

For specific, low-dose therapeutic or prophylactic uses as determined by a physician, given that 5 mg is an unusually low dose for standard Ursodeoxycholic Acid indications like gallstone dissolution or primary biliary cholangitis.

Supportive treatment in certain mild hepatobiliary conditions where a very low dose of bile acid might be considered.

Potentially as part of a multi-ingredient formulation where Ursodeoxycholic Acid is a minor component for a specific effect.

Dosage

Adults

For specific indications where 5 mg is considered therapeutic, the exact dosage should be prescribed by a physician. Typical Ursodeoxycholic Acid doses for gallstone dissolution or primary biliary cholangitis range from 8-15 mg/kg/day, which is significantly higher than 5 mg/day.

Elderly

Dosage for specific low-dose indications in elderly patients would require careful medical supervision. No standard elderly-specific dosage for a 5 mg UDCA formulation exists for common indications.

Renal_impairment

Dose adjustment for Ursodeoxycholic Acid is generally not required in renal impairment as it is primarily excreted via bile. However, for a 5 mg formulation, specific guidance is unavailable.

How to Take

Oral administration, usually with food, as directed by a physician.

Mechanism of Action

Ursodeoxycholic Acid (UDCA) works by altering the composition of bile, reducing cholesterol saturation, inhibiting intestinal cholesterol absorption, and solubilizing cholesterol gallstones. It also exerts hepatoprotective effects by displacing more toxic endogenous bile acids, stabilizing hepatocyte membranes, and having immunomodulatory properties. At a 5 mg dose, its clinical efficacy for standard indications is unlikely, suggesting its action might be for a specialized, low-dose application.

Pharmacokinetics

Onset

Onset of effect for gallstone dissolution can take months. For 5 mg, onset of specific effects for potential niche uses is not established.

Excretion

Primarily excreted in feces via bile, with a small amount of systemic absorption followed by urinary excretion.

Half life

3.5-5.8 days (after continuous administration, due to enterohepatic recirculation).

Absorption

Well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract (about 90%).

Metabolism

Metabolized in the liver to active conjugates with glycine and taurine, which are then secreted into bile.

Side Effects

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to bile acids or any component of the formulation.
Acute cholecystitis, acute cholangitis, or obstruction of the biliary tract.
Non-functioning gall bladder, calcified gallstones, or frequent episodes of biliary colic.
Inflammatory conditions of the small intestine and colon.

Drug Interactions

Dapsone

UDCA may reduce the absorption of Dapsone.

Cholestyramine, Colestipol

May bind UDCA and reduce its absorption. Should be taken at least 2 hours apart.

Antacids containing aluminum

May reduce the absorption of Ursodeoxycholic Acid.

Oral contraceptives, estrogens, clofibrate

May increase hepatic cholesterol secretion, thereby counteracting the effect of UDCA.

Storage

Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.

Overdose

The main symptom of overdose is diarrhea. Treatment is symptomatic and supportive. No specific antidote is known.

Pregnancy & Lactation

Pregnancy Category B. Animal studies show no harm, but human data are limited. Use only if clearly needed and potential benefits outweigh risks. Ursodeoxycholic Acid is excreted in breast milk in small amounts; generally considered safe during lactation, but caution is advised.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about this medicine

Pack Sizes

10 tablets30 tablets (3x10 strips)

Shelf Life

24 months from the date of manufacture.

Availability

Pharmacies, Hospitals (Note: 5 mg strength is not commonly available for standard indications of Ursodeoxycholic Acid)

Approval Status

Approved (for the active ingredient Ursodeoxycholic Acid, though this specific 5 mg formulation is unusual for standard indications)

Patent Status

Expired (for the active ingredient Ursodeoxycholic Acid)

Clinical Trials

Extensive clinical trials exist for Ursodeoxycholic Acid at standard therapeutic doses for established indications. Specific trials for a 5 mg formulation for human therapeutic use are not commonly documented for these established indications, suggesting its use might be for specialized, unconfirmed, or combination therapy purposes.

Lab Monitoring

Liver function tests (ALT, AST, GGT, ALP, bilirubin) at regular intervals, especially during the first few months of treatment.
For gallstone dissolution, ultrasound monitoring of gallstones.

Doctor Notes

Patient prescribed Duoliv 5 mg Tablet for a specific low-dose indication; review patient's full medical history and specific therapeutic goals.
Monitor liver function tests periodically, especially in patients with pre-existing liver conditions.
Counsel patient thoroughly regarding the unusual strength and expected outcomes, emphasizing that this dose is atypical for common UDCA indications.

Patient Guidelines

Take the tablet as directed by your physician, usually with food.
Do not stop taking the medicine without consulting your doctor.
Inform your doctor if you experience severe diarrhea, as dose reduction may be needed.
Note that 5 mg is a very low dose for standard Ursodeoxycholic Acid indications; ensure you understand your doctor's specific reasoning for this prescription.

Missed Dose Advice

If a dose is missed, take it as soon as remembered unless it is almost time for the next dose. Do not double the dose to compensate for a missed one.

Driving Precautions

Duoliv 5 mg Tablet is generally not expected to impair the ability to drive or operate machinery. However, if dizziness or other central nervous system effects occur, avoid such activities.