Uliv
Generic Name
Ursodeoxycholic Acid
Manufacturer
Square Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
Country
Bangladesh
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Price Details
Current market pricing information
| Variant | Unit Price | Strip Price |
|---|---|---|
| uliv 150 mg tablet | ৳ 12.09 | ৳ 120.90 |
| uliv 300 mg tablet | ৳ 25.00 | ৳ 250.00 |
Description
Overview of the medicine
Uliv (Ursodeoxycholic Acid) is a naturally occurring bile acid used to dissolve cholesterol gallstones in the gallbladder and to treat primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), and other cholestatic liver diseases.
Uses & Indications
Dosage
Adults
For gallstone dissolution: 8-12 mg/kg/day, usually as a single dose at bedtime or in two divided doses. For PBC: 13-15 mg/kg/day, in 2-4 divided doses with meals.
Elderly
No specific dose adjustment required based solely on age, but consider age-related physiological decline.
Renal_impairment
No specific dose adjustment is generally required as UDCA is primarily excreted in bile, not urine.
How to Take
Take with food, preferably with the evening meal. For gallstone dissolution, a single dose at bedtime is often recommended.
Mechanism of Action
Reduces the cholesterol content of bile by suppressing hepatic cholesterol synthesis and secretion, leading to the dissolution of cholesterol gallstones. In liver diseases, it replaces endogenous toxic bile acids and exerts cytoprotective, anti-apoptotic, and immunomodulatory effects.
Pharmacokinetics
Onset
Gallstone dissolution may take 6-24 months. Symptomatic improvement in PBC varies.
Excretion
Excreted predominantly in the faeces.
Half life
Approximately 3.5-5.8 days.
Absorption
Well absorbed from the small intestine (approximately 90%).
Metabolism
Undergoes extensive enterohepatic recirculation. Primarily metabolized in the liver via conjugation with glycine and taurine.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Acute cholecystitis
- Calcified gallstones (radio-opaque)
- Non-functioning gallbladder
- Acute peptic ulcer
- Inflammatory conditions of the small intestine and colon (e.g., Crohn's disease)
- Frequent biliary colic
Drug Interactions
Ciclosporin
UDCA may increase its absorption.
Estrogens, Oral contraceptives
May increase cholesterol saturation of bile, counteracting UDCA's effect.
Cholestyramine, Colestipol, Antacids (containing aluminum)
Can reduce UDCA absorption.
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from direct sunlight. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
Diarrhea is the primary symptom of overdose. Treatment is symptomatic. Maintain fluid and electrolyte balance.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy Category B. Should only be used during pregnancy if clearly necessary and the potential benefits outweigh the risks. Limited data on excretion in breast milk, use with caution.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Acute cholecystitis
- Calcified gallstones (radio-opaque)
- Non-functioning gallbladder
- Acute peptic ulcer
- Inflammatory conditions of the small intestine and colon (e.g., Crohn's disease)
- Frequent biliary colic
Drug Interactions
Ciclosporin
UDCA may increase its absorption.
Estrogens, Oral contraceptives
May increase cholesterol saturation of bile, counteracting UDCA's effect.
Cholestyramine, Colestipol, Antacids (containing aluminum)
Can reduce UDCA absorption.
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from direct sunlight. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
Diarrhea is the primary symptom of overdose. Treatment is symptomatic. Maintain fluid and electrolyte balance.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy Category B. Should only be used during pregnancy if clearly necessary and the potential benefits outweigh the risks. Limited data on excretion in breast milk, use with caution.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this medicine
Pack Sizes
Shelf Life
Typically 2-3 years from manufacturing date
Availability
Available in pharmacies and hospitals
Approval Status
Approved by regulatory authorities worldwide, including DGDA (Bangladesh)
Patent Status
Generic available
Clinical Trials
Extensively studied in numerous clinical trials for its efficacy in dissolving gallstones, treating primary biliary cholangitis, and other cholestatic liver diseases. Ongoing research explores its potential in other liver conditions and certain cancers.
Lab Monitoring
- Liver function tests (ALT, AST, ALP, bilirubin) at baseline and every 1-3 months during the first year of treatment, then periodically.
- Monitoring of gallstone size via ultrasound.
Doctor Notes
- Ensure patient adherence to the long-term treatment regimen.
- Regular monitoring of liver function tests is crucial, especially during the initial phase.
- Educate patients on the importance of diet and lifestyle modifications for optimal outcome.
Patient Guidelines
- Take as directed by your doctor, do not stop treatment prematurely.
- Gallstone dissolution can take a long time, sometimes up to 2 years.
- Report any new or worsening symptoms or severe side effects.
Missed Dose Advice
If a dose is missed, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to make up for a missed one.
Driving Precautions
Uliv is not known to impair the ability to drive or operate machinery.
Lifestyle Advice
- Maintain a balanced diet and healthy weight.
- Avoid rapid weight loss, as this can increase the risk of gallstone formation.
- Regular exercise.
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Global Brand Names
International brand names for this medicine. Click a brand to search for detailed information.
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