Ursodiol is a bile acid, found naturally in small amounts in human bile, which is produced in the liver and stored in the gallbladder. Ursodiol is also used as a medication, available as tablets or capsules of 250 or 500 mg, to be taken by mouth. The dosage of Ursodiol prescribed will be based upon your needs assessed by your physician and the condition it is treating. While Ursodiol is the generic name, it is often prescribed as Actigall, Urso, Urso 250 or Urso Forte.
Gallstone Treatment
Ursodiol is often prescribed for the treatment of gallstones, as it has been found effective in dissolving them. Gallstones are formed from cholesterol stored in the gallbladder. Ursodiol dissolves the cholesterol from the stones and slows cholesterol production in the liver, as well as the absorption of cholesterol from the intestines. Ursodiol works best against smaller gallstones comprised mainly of cholesterol and those that are loose. The success rate for dissolving gallstones up to 20 mm in size is between 30 and 50 percent.
Gallstone Treatment
Ursodiol is also used to prevent the formation of gallstones, especially in patients who are undergoing rapid weight loss. The National Institutes of Health, Weight Control Information Network explains that, in the gallbladder, there is a balance between cholesterol and bile salts and weight loss can cause an upset in that balance. With rapid weight loss (more than 3 pounds per week), bile salts tend to decrease and cholesterol tends to increase. Also, the gallbladder needs to contract to empty out bile, and, when one does not eat for a length of time, the gallbladder does not contract, allowing a buildup and the formation of gallstones. The NIH also states that ursodiol is not technically approved as an agent to "prevent" gallstones, although it is often prescribed for this purpose. However, a 2008 issue of the medical publication "Obesity Surgery" states that ursodiol treatment has been found to be safe and effective for the prevention of gallstones in patients who have undergone bariatric (weight loss) surgery.
Primary Biliary Cirrhosis Treatment
Ursodiol is also used as a treatment for primary biliary cirrhosis, or PBC, which is a liver disease that destroys the liver's bile ducts. When this happens, bile cannot get to the small intestine to help with the digestion of fats. The American Liver Foundation explains that as the bile remains in the liver, it causes damage to the liver's cells, which leads to cirrhosis, or the production of scar tissue. As the disease progresses, the liver is not able to function properly and eventually will fail completely. Since ursodiol is a bile acid, it improves liver function in those with PBC. It can increase life expectancy and buy time for the patient who is waiting for a liver transplant. Ursodiol must be taken daily for life or until the transplant occurs.
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