Ursodil
Generic Name
Ursodeoxycholic Acid
Manufacturer
Incepta Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
Country
Bangladesh
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Price Details
Current market pricing information
| Variant | Unit Price | Strip Price |
|---|---|---|
| ursodil 150 mg tablet | ৳ 15.00 | ৳ 150.00 |
Description
Overview of the medicine
Ursodeoxycholic Acid (UDCA) is a naturally occurring bile acid used to dissolve cholesterol gallstones, treat primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), and other cholestatic liver diseases. It works by reducing the cholesterol content of bile, which helps dissolve existing gallstones and prevents new ones from forming. In liver diseases, it protects liver cells from the toxic effects of other bile acids.
Uses & Indications
Dosage
Adults
Cholesterol Gallstone Dissolution: 8-10 mg/kg/day in 2-3 divided doses. Primary Biliary Cholangitis: 13-15 mg/kg/day in 2-4 divided doses.
Elderly
No specific dose adjustment is generally required for elderly patients, similar to adult dosage.
Renal_impairment
No dosage adjustment is necessary for patients with renal impairment, as UDCA is primarily excreted via feces.
How to Take
Take orally, usually with food, in divided doses. For gallstone dissolution, treatment often lasts for several months up to 2 years, with regular monitoring. For PBC, it is a long-term treatment.
Mechanism of Action
UDCA reduces the cholesterol saturation of bile by inhibiting intestinal cholesterol absorption and hepatic cholesterol synthesis. It also increases bile flow and replaces more toxic bile acids with less toxic UDCA, thereby protecting hepatocytes.
Pharmacokinetics
Onset
Gradual, weeks to months for gallstone dissolution; improvement in PBC symptoms can take weeks.
Excretion
Primarily excreted in the feces, with a small amount excreted in urine.
Half life
Approximately 3-6 days, due to enterohepatic recirculation.
Absorption
Rapidly but incompletely absorbed (about 90%) from the gastrointestinal tract.
Metabolism
Undergoes extensive enterohepatic recirculation. Conjugated with glycine and taurine in the liver, and undergoes bacterial degradation in the intestine.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- •Acute cholecystitis, cholangitis, or other acute gallbladder conditions
- •Non-functioning gallbladder
- •Calcified cholesterol gallstones, radio-opaque gallstones
- •Biliary obstruction
- •Severe hepatic impairment or advanced liver disease
Drug Interactions
Dapsone
UDCA may reduce absorption of Dapsone.
Cholestyramine, Colestipol
May reduce absorption of UDCA. Administer at least 2 hours apart.
Antacids (aluminum-containing)
May reduce absorption of UDCA. Administer at least 2 hours apart.
Estrogens, Oral Contraceptives, Clofibrate
May increase cholesterol saturation of bile, counteracting the effect of UDCA.
Storage
Store below 30°C. Protect from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
Overdose is generally not life-threatening. The main symptom is diarrhea. Treatment is symptomatic and supportive; fluid and electrolyte balance should be maintained.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy Category B. Studies in animals have shown no evidence of fetal harm, but human data are limited. Use only if clearly needed. UDCA is excreted in human milk in very low concentrations; generally considered safe during lactation, but caution is advised.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this medicine
Pack Sizes
Shelf Life
2-3 years from manufacturing date
Availability
Pharmacies, hospitals
Approval Status
Approved
Patent Status
Off-patent
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Global Brand Names
International brand names for this medicine
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