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 |
Description
Overview of the medicine
Uliv 150 mg Tablet contains Ursodeoxycholic Acid, a naturally occurring bile acid used to dissolve cholesterol gallstones and treat certain liver diseases such as Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC) and hepatobiliary disorders associated with Cystic Fibrosis.
Uses & Indications
Dosage
Adults
For gallstone dissolution: 8-10 mg/kg/day, usually divided into 2-3 doses. For PBC: 13-15 mg/kg/day, divided into 2-4 doses.
Elderly
No specific dose adjustment is generally required, but caution is advised due to potential comorbidities and polypharmacy.
Renal_impairment
No dosage adjustment necessary as renal excretion is minimal. Use with caution in severe renal impairment.
How to Take
Take orally with food. For gallstone dissolution, the entire daily dose or a larger portion is often taken at bedtime to optimize bile concentration during the night.
Mechanism of Action
Ursodeoxycholic acid reduces cholesterol synthesis and secretion into bile, preventing gallstone formation and dissolving existing cholesterol gallstones. It also protects liver cells from toxic bile acids and has immunomodulatory effects in chronic cholestatic liver diseases.
Pharmacokinetics
Onset
Gallstone dissolution is slow, often taking months (6-24 months). Symptomatic relief can occur earlier.
Excretion
Primarily excreted in feces (about 90%) after hepatic conjugation, with minimal renal excretion.
Half life
Approximately 3.5-5.8 hours (enterohepatic circulation extends effective duration).
Absorption
Well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract (about 90%).
Metabolism
Undergoes extensive first-pass metabolism in the liver, conjugated with glycine and taurine.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Acute cholecystitis, cholangitis, or other acute inflammatory conditions of the gallbladder or bile ducts.
- Calcified cholesterol stones, radio-opaque gallstones, or a non-functioning gallbladder.
- Hypersensitivity to Ursodeoxycholic Acid or any excipients.
- Frequent biliary colic.
Drug Interactions
Dapsone
UDCA may reduce dapsone absorption.
Ciclosporin
UDCA may increase the absorption of ciclosporin; monitor ciclosporin levels.
Oral contraceptives, Estrogens, Clofibrate
May increase hepatic cholesterol secretion and cholesterol saturation in bile, potentially counteracting UDCA's effect.
Cholestyramine, Colestipol, or Aluminum-containing antacids
These agents bind to UDCA and reduce its absorption, reducing efficacy. Administer at least 2 hours apart.
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from direct light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
The most common symptom of overdose is diarrhea. Treatment is symptomatic and supportive. No specific antidote is known.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy Category B. Use only if clearly needed and the potential benefits outweigh the risks. Small amounts of UDCA are excreted in breast milk; use with caution during lactation.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Acute cholecystitis, cholangitis, or other acute inflammatory conditions of the gallbladder or bile ducts.
- Calcified cholesterol stones, radio-opaque gallstones, or a non-functioning gallbladder.
- Hypersensitivity to Ursodeoxycholic Acid or any excipients.
- Frequent biliary colic.
Drug Interactions
Dapsone
UDCA may reduce dapsone absorption.
Ciclosporin
UDCA may increase the absorption of ciclosporin; monitor ciclosporin levels.
Oral contraceptives, Estrogens, Clofibrate
May increase hepatic cholesterol secretion and cholesterol saturation in bile, potentially counteracting UDCA's effect.
Cholestyramine, Colestipol, or Aluminum-containing antacids
These agents bind to UDCA and reduce its absorption, reducing efficacy. Administer at least 2 hours apart.
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from direct light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
The most common symptom of overdose is diarrhea. Treatment is symptomatic and supportive. No specific antidote is known.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy Category B. Use only if clearly needed and the potential benefits outweigh the risks. Small amounts of UDCA are excreted in breast milk; use with caution during lactation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this medicine
Pack Sizes
Shelf Life
Typically 2-3 years from the date of manufacture.
Availability
Available in pharmacies
Approval Status
Approved by regulatory authorities
Patent Status
Off-patent (Generic)
Clinical Trials
Ursodeoxycholic Acid has undergone extensive clinical trials demonstrating its efficacy in dissolving cholesterol gallstones and in the management of Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC) and other cholestatic liver diseases.
Lab Monitoring
- Liver function tests (ALT, AST, ALP, GGT, bilirubin) should be monitored at regular intervals (e.g., monthly for the first 3 months, then every 3-6 months) during treatment.
- For gallstone dissolution, ultrasound of the gallbladder should be performed every 6-12 months.
Doctor Notes
- Emphasize the importance of consistent dosing and adherence for optimal therapeutic outcomes, particularly in gallstone dissolution which is a prolonged treatment.
- Regular monitoring of liver function tests and ultrasound for gallstone patients is crucial.
- Consider drug interactions, especially with bile acid sequestrants and aluminum-containing antacids; advise appropriate spacing of administration.
Patient Guidelines
- Take Uliv exactly as prescribed by your doctor; do not stop treatment early without consultation.
- Report any persistent or worsening side effects to your doctor.
- Inform your doctor about all other medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking.
- For gallstone dissolution, treatment can be prolonged (up to 2 years) and requires consistent adherence.
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 regular 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. However, if you experience dizziness or any other side effect that might affect your concentration, avoid these activities.
Lifestyle Advice
- Maintain a balanced diet and engage in regular physical activity to support overall liver health.
- Avoid excessive alcohol consumption, as it can worsen liver conditions.
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