Ursodiol is a medication used to treat cholelithiasis (gallstones) when you are unable to have a cholecystectomy (gallbladder surgery). According to MedlinePlus, ursodiol is a bile acid that helps prevent gallstone formation. Typically, patients take 8 to 10mg/kg daily and as their doctor prescribes, according to the National Library of Medicine.
Common Side Effects
In a placebo-controlled trial of 155 patients receiving 8 to 10mg/kg/day of ursodiol, the National Library of Medicine says that 4.5 percent developed fatigue, 19.4 percent developed a viral infection, 43.2 percent developed stomach pain, 5.2 percent had cholecystitis (gallbladder inflammation) and 9.7 percent developed constipation. Additionally, 27.1 percent experienced diarrhea, 16.8 percent developed indigestion, 7.7 percent experienced flatulence (gas), 14.2 percent had nausea while 9.7 percent developed vomiting. Also, 5.8 percent developed arthritis, 7.1 percent had back pain, 18.1 percent had a headache and 6.5 percent developed a urinary tract infection. Inform your doctor when these side effects remain for three to five days.
Serious Side Effects
Ursodiol is typically safe and rarely causes any potentially life-threatening side effects. According to MedlinePlus, you should call your doctor immediately when you develop dysuria (pain with urination), frequent urination or a fever accompanied with a cough. Dysuria and frequent urination may be an indication of a urinary tract infection. Your doctor will obtain a urine sample and analyze it for any bacteria. He will treat you with such antibiotics as ciprofloxacin to get rid of your urinary tract infection. A cough and fever typically signify the onset of an infection. Call your doctor immediately if urosidiol causes these effects.
Additional Concerns
You must avoid urosodiol if you are allergic to it. It can cause extreme breathing troubles, hives and swelling of your face, tongue or throat.
Drugs.com recommends telling your physician if you are taking birth control pills, cholestyramine, colestipol or antacids. Ursodiol may interact with these medications and cause the aforementioned side effects.
It is unclear whether Ursodiol passes into breast milk or harms the fetus during pregnancy. In any case, tell your physician if you are pregnant or nursing.
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