Livcare
Generic Name
Ursodeoxycholic Acid
Manufacturer
Generic Pharma Inc.
Country
Bangladesh
Loading images...
Price Details
Current market pricing information
| Variant | Unit Price | Strip Price |
|---|---|---|
| livcare 10 mg tablet | ৳ 55.00 | ৳ 550.00 |
Description
Overview of the medicine
Livcare 10 mg Tablet contains Ursodeoxycholic Acid, a naturally occurring bile acid used to dissolve gallstones and treat certain liver diseases, particularly primary biliary cholangitis (PBC). Its hepatoprotective properties help to reduce liver enzyme levels and improve bile flow. Note: 10 mg is an unusually low strength for typical therapeutic uses of UDCA, specific indications at this strength should be clinically confirmed.
Uses & Indications
Dosage
Adults
Typical therapeutic doses for Ursodeoxycholic Acid are significantly higher (e.g., 8-10 mg/kg/day for gallstone dissolution, 13-15 mg/kg/day for PBC), usually administered in divided doses. For a 10 mg tablet, the specific dosage regimen would need to be determined by a physician based on the intended use, which might be different from standard UDCA indications or as part of a larger regimen.
Elderly
No specific dose adjustment required based on age; follow adult dosage recommendations, adjusted for individual patient needs and comorbidities.
Renal_impairment
No dose adjustment necessary as UDCA is primarily eliminated via bile, not renally.
How to Take
Take orally with food, usually in divided doses. For gallstone dissolution, the total daily dose is often given at bedtime. For PBC, doses are usually spread throughout the day. Follow your doctor's specific instructions.
Mechanism of Action
Ursodeoxycholic Acid suppresses hepatic synthesis and secretion of cholesterol, and also inhibits intestinal absorption of cholesterol. It alters the bile acid pool, making bile less lithogenic. It also has cytoprotective, anti-apoptotic, and immunomodulatory effects in liver diseases.
Pharmacokinetics
Onset
Gallstone dissolution may take months; symptomatic relief in PBC can be seen in weeks.
Excretion
Mainly excreted in feces via bile, with a small amount excreted in urine.
Half life
Approximately 3-6 days.
Absorption
Rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract (approx. 90% of a dose). Bioavailability is subject to first-pass metabolism.
Metabolism
Extensively metabolized in the liver to active and inactive conjugates; undergoes enterohepatic recirculation. Conjugated with glycine and taurine.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to bile acids or any component of the formulation
- Acute inflammation of the gallbladder or biliary tract
- Biliary obstruction (e.g., common bile duct obstruction)
- Frequent episodes of biliary colic
- Calcified cholesterol stones or radiopaque gallstones
- Non-functioning gallbladder
- Severe liver or renal impairment (rarely)
Drug Interactions
Dapsone
UDCA may reduce dapsone absorption.
Ciclosporin
UDCA may increase ciclosporin absorption. Monitor ciclosporin levels closely if co-administered.
Oral Contraceptives, Estrogens, Clofibrate
May increase cholesterol saturation in bile, potentially counteracting UDCA's effect. Use with caution.
Cholestyramine, Colestipol, Antacids (aluminum hydroxide)
These agents reduce the absorption of UDCA. Administer UDCA at least 2 hours before or after these agents.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place, at or below 30°C. Protect from light and moisture. Keep out of reach and sight of children.
Overdose
Overdose is rare. The primary symptom of overdose is diarrhea. Treatment is symptomatic and supportive. No specific antidote is available.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy Category B. Studies in animals have not shown a risk, but human data are limited. Use only if clearly needed and the potential benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus. UDCA is excreted into breast milk; however, amounts are minimal and generally considered safe for breastfed infants.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to bile acids or any component of the formulation
- Acute inflammation of the gallbladder or biliary tract
- Biliary obstruction (e.g., common bile duct obstruction)
- Frequent episodes of biliary colic
- Calcified cholesterol stones or radiopaque gallstones
- Non-functioning gallbladder
- Severe liver or renal impairment (rarely)
Drug Interactions
Dapsone
UDCA may reduce dapsone absorption.
Ciclosporin
UDCA may increase ciclosporin absorption. Monitor ciclosporin levels closely if co-administered.
Oral Contraceptives, Estrogens, Clofibrate
May increase cholesterol saturation in bile, potentially counteracting UDCA's effect. Use with caution.
Cholestyramine, Colestipol, Antacids (aluminum hydroxide)
These agents reduce the absorption of UDCA. Administer UDCA at least 2 hours before or after these agents.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place, at or below 30°C. Protect from light and moisture. Keep out of reach and sight of children.
Overdose
Overdose is rare. The primary symptom of overdose is diarrhea. Treatment is symptomatic and supportive. No specific antidote is available.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy Category B. Studies in animals have not shown a risk, but human data are limited. Use only if clearly needed and the potential benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus. UDCA is excreted into breast milk; however, amounts are minimal and generally considered safe for breastfed infants.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this medicine
Pack Sizes
Shelf Life
36 months from the manufacturing date, unless otherwise specified.
Availability
Available in pharmacies
Approval Status
Approved by major regulatory bodies (e.g., FDA, DGDA)
Patent Status
Generics available, patent expired
Clinical Trials
Numerous clinical trials have established the efficacy and safety of Ursodeoxycholic Acid for gallstone dissolution and PBC. Ongoing research explores its potential therapeutic role in other cholestatic liver diseases, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC).
Lab Monitoring
- Liver function tests (ALT, AST, ALP, bilirubin, GGT) at baseline and periodically (every 3-6 months) during treatment
- Gallbladder ultrasound periodically for gallstone dissolution therapy (every 6-12 months)
Doctor Notes
- Emphasize strict adherence to therapy for optimal outcomes, especially in chronic conditions like PBC.
- Regularly monitor liver function tests (ALT, AST, ALP, bilirubin, GGT) to assess therapeutic response and detect adverse effects.
- Counsel patients on potential drug interactions and advise them to report any new medications or supplements.
- For gallstone dissolution, confirm stone composition (non-calcified cholesterol stones) and gallbladder function via ultrasound prior to and during treatment.
Patient Guidelines
- Take Livcare 10 mg Tablet exactly as prescribed by your doctor, even if your symptoms improve.
- Do not stop taking this medicine without consulting your doctor, as gallstones may recur or liver conditions may worsen.
- Inform your doctor about all other medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking to avoid potential interactions.
- Report any unusual or severe side effects, especially persistent diarrhea, to your doctor immediately.
Missed Dose Advice
If a dose is missed, take it as soon as you remember. If it's close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
Driving Precautions
Livcare 10 mg Tablet is generally not expected to affect the ability to drive or operate machinery. However, if you experience dizziness, severe fatigue, or visual disturbances, avoid such activities.
Lifestyle Advice
- Maintain a healthy and balanced diet, rich in fruits and vegetables, and low in saturated fats.
- Avoid excessive alcohol consumption, as it can worsen liver conditions.
- Regular physical activity can improve overall liver health and aid in weight management.
- Stay well-hydrated.
Alternative Medicines in Bangladesh
Similar medicines available in the market
Global Brand Names
International brand names for this medicine. Click a brand to search for detailed information.
Other Medicines in Livcare Brand
Other medicines available under the same brand name
