Ursodiol

Ursodiol is used to dissolve gallstones in patients who do not want surgery or cannot have surgery to remove gallstones. Ursodiol is also used to prevent the formation of gallstones in overweight patients who are losing weight very quickly. Ursodiol is a bile acid, a substance naturally produced by the body that is stored in the gallbladder. It works by decreasing the production of cholesterol and by dissolving the cholesterol in bile so that it cannot form stones. This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Ursodiol comes as a capsule to take by mouth. It is usually taken two or three times a day to treat gallstones and two times a day to prevent gallstones in patients who are losing weight quickly. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take ursodiol exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. This drug must be taken for months to have an effect. You may need to take ursodiol for up to 2 years. Your gallstones may not completely dissolve, and even if your gallstones do dissolve you may have gallstones again within 5 years after successful treatment with ursodiol. Continue to take ursodiol even if you feel well. Do not stop taking ursodiol without talking to your doctor.

<p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>Side effects from ursodiol can occur. Inform your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

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diarrhea</li>
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constipation</li>
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upset stomach</li>
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indigestion</li>
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dizziness</li>
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vomiting</li>
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cough</li>
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sore throat</li>
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runny nose</li>
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back pain</li>
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muscle and joint pain</li>
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hair loss</li></ul></p> <p></p> <p>If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

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frequent urination or pain when you urinate</li>
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cough with fever</li></ul>If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at <a href='http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch'>http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch</a>] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].</p>

Before taking ursodiol, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to ursodiol, bile acids, or any other drugs. tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially antacids that contain aluminum (Amphojel, Gaviscon, Maalox, Mylanta, others), cholestyramine (LoCHOLEST, Prevalite, Questran), clofibrate (Atromid-S), colestipol (Colestid), medications that lower lipid or cholesterol levels, medications that contain estrogen (including birth control pills), and vitamins and herbal products. tell your doctor if you have or have ever had disease of the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, or bile duct.

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.