Ursobil 300mg is a medication containing ursodeoxycholic acid, used primarily for treating primary biliary cirrhosis and dissolving gallstones. It is available in tablet form, packaged as a box of 3 blisters x 10 tablets.
1. What is Ursobil 300mg? Uses and Benefits
The active ingredient, ursodeoxycholic acid, is a naturally occurring bile acid derived from chenodeoxycholic acid (present in the body's bile). The functions of Ursobil 300mg include:
- Increasing bile acid concentration proportionally to the dosage, making it the primary bile acid.
- Replacing and neutralizing toxic bile acids that accumulate in liver and bile duct diseases.
- Protecting the epithelial cells of the bile ducts and counteracting the harmful effects of bile acids.
- Preventing self-destruction of liver cells and modulating immune function. It also stimulates bile secretion from liver cells and bile ducts.
- Enhancing the solubility of cholesterol in bile, leading to the dissolution of gallstones by:
- Reducing cholesterol secretion into bile (by limiting intestinal absorption and hepatic synthesis).
- Increasing total bile acid levels.
2. Indications and Contraindications
2.1 Indications
Ursobil 300mg is prescribed for:
- Restoring liver function in patients with primary biliary cirrhosis.
- Dissolving gallstones in cases where:
- The gallstones are non-calcified, have a diameter ≤ 20mm, and are X-ray transparent.
- The gallbladder is still functioning properly.
- Gallstones reappear after surgery, or surgical removal is not an option due to health risks.
2.2 Contraindications
Ursobil 300mg should not be used in patients with:
- Allergy to any ingredient of the drug.
- Complete bile duct obstruction.
- Rapidly progressing hepatitis.
- Severe upper abdominal pain.
- Acute biliary tract or gallbladder inflammation.
- Calcified gallstones visible on X-rays.
- Children under 12 years old.
- Pregnant women.
3. Dosage and Administration
Administration: Ursobil 300mg should be taken orally, after meals.
Dosage
- Primary biliary cirrhosis: 13-15 mg/kg/day, divided into 2-4 doses. Liver function and bilirubin levels should be checked monthly for the first 6 months, then every 6 months.
- Gallstone dissolution: 8-12 mg/kg/day, divided into 2-3 doses. Even after gallstones completely dissolve, treatment should continue for 3-4 months to prevent recurrence (not exceeding 2 years). If no reduction in gallstone size is observed after 12 months, alternative treatment should be considered.
Overdose may lead to diarrhea. If this occurs, discontinue the drug immediately and seek medical attention.
- If a dose is missed, take it as soon as possible. If it’s close to the next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue as usual. Do not double the dose to compensate for a missed one.
4. Potential Side Effects
Ursobil 300mg is generally well tolerated, but some patients may experience:
- Common: Diarrhea, soft stools.
- Uncommon: Changes in bowel habits.
- Rare: Severe upper right abdominal pain.
- Hives (urticaria).
- Calcified gallstones.
- Severe liver complications, which resolve after stopping the drug.
If you experience any side effects, stop using the medication and consult a healthcare professional immediately.
5. Drug Interactions
Ursobil 300mg may interact with:
- Cholestyramine, colestipol, aluminum-based antacids: Reduce absorption of Ursobil. Take at least 2 hours apart.
- Cyclosporine: Ursobil may increase cyclosporine absorption. Monitor drug levels and adjust dosage accordingly.
- Ciprofloxacin (antibiotic): Ursobil reduces ciprofloxacin absorption.
- Nitrendipine (used for hypertension): Ursobil may lower nitrendipine plasma levels.
- Estrogen, oral contraceptives, lipid-lowering drugs: Increase cholesterol secretion into bile, counteracting Ursobil’s gallstone-dissolving effect.
To avoid interactions, inform your doctor about all medications and supplements you are taking.
Above is all the information about Ursobil 300mg, you need to read the instructions carefully, consult your doctor/pharmacist before using. Absolutely do not buy medicine to treat yourself at home because you may encounter unwanted side effects.
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