URSOCOL 300

# Ursodeoxycholic Acid 300 mg ## SHORT DESCRIPTION Ursodeoxycholic Acid (UDCA) 300 mg, also known as **ursodiol**, is a bile acid medicine used to treat certain liver and gallbladder conditions. It can help improve bile flow, reduce the harmful effects of certain bile acids and, in selected patients, gradually dissolve certain **cholesterol gallstones**. UDCA is commonly used under medical supervision for conditions such as **primary biliary cholangitis (PBC)** and selected cholesterol gallstones. ## KEY BENEFITS * Helps improve bile flow * Supports healthy bile acid balance * Helps protect liver cells from certain harmful bile acids * May help dissolve certain cholesterol gallstones * Helps improve abnormal liver enzyme levels in appropriate liver conditions * May reduce bile-related liver injury in selected cholestatic disorders ## USES / INDICATIONS Ursodeoxycholic Acid 300 mg may be prescribed for: * **Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC)** * Certain cholesterol gallstones * Gallstone prevention in selected patients * Certain cholestatic liver disorders * Other bile-flow disorders when specifically prescribed by a healthcare professional The exact approved indications vary according to the formulation and local medical guidelines. ## HOW IT WORKS Ursodeoxycholic acid is a naturally occurring **hydrophilic bile acid**. It changes the composition of bile, reducing the proportion of potentially harmful hydrophobic bile acids. It also improves bile flow and can reduce the toxic effects of certain bile acids on liver cells. For selected cholesterol gallstones, UDCA reduces cholesterol saturation in bile and can gradually help dissolve cholesterol-rich stones. ## DOSAGE & ADMINISTRATION The appropriate dose depends on the condition being treated, body weight and response to treatment. * Take Ursodeoxycholic Acid exactly as prescribed. * The medicine is often taken **with food** to improve absorption and tolerability. * The daily dose may be divided into two or three doses depending on the indication. * For some gallstone-related conditions, dosing is calculated according to **body weight**. * Treatment may continue for several months or longer depending on the condition. * For gallstone dissolution, treatment may need to continue for several months after the stones have disappeared to reduce the likelihood of recurrence. * Swallow capsules or tablets with water. * Do not stop treatment without consulting your doctor. ### Missed Dose Take the missed dose when remembered unless it is nearly time for the next dose. Do not take two doses together to compensate for a missed dose. ## SIDE EFFECTS Common side effects may include: * Diarrhea * Loose stools * Abdominal discomfort * Nausea * Indigestion * Abdominal pain Diarrhea is one of the more commonly reported side effects. ### Serious Side Effects Seek medical attention if you develop: * Persistent or severe diarrhea * Severe abdominal pain * Yellowing of the skin or eyes that becomes worse * Severe allergic reaction * Significant deterioration in liver-related symptoms Your doctor may periodically monitor liver function during treatment. ## PRECAUTIONS & WARNINGS * Use UDCA under medical supervision. * It is not suitable for every type of gallstone. * UDCA is generally more effective for **cholesterol-rich, non-calcified gallstones** than for calcified or pigment stones. * Gallbladder function and the condition of the bile ducts should be assessed before treatment for gallstone dissolution. * Tell your doctor if you have severe liver disease, biliary obstruction or acute inflammation of the gallbladder or bile ducts. * Regular liver-function testing may be necessary during treatment. * Tell your doctor if you develop persistent diarrhea. * If severe abdominal pain, fever or jaundice develops, seek medical assessment because these symptoms can indicate complications of gallbladder or bile-duct disease. * Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy or breastfeeding. * Take the medicine consistently according to your prescribed schedule. ## DRUG INTERACTIONS Ursodeoxycholic Acid may interact with: * **Cholestyramine** — can bind bile acids and reduce UDCA absorption. * **Colestipol** — may reduce UDCA absorption. * **Aluminum-containing antacids** — may reduce absorption of UDCA. * **Certain medicines that affect bile or cholesterol metabolism** — may alter treatment response. * Other medicines should be reviewed by your healthcare professional before starting UDCA. If cholestyramine, colestipol or certain antacids are required, they may need to be taken at a different time from UDCA. Always tell your doctor or pharmacist about prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins and herbal supplements you use. ## STORAGE INFORMATION * Store according to the manufacturer's instructions. * Keep tablets or capsules in their original packaging. * Store at the recommended room temperature. * Protect from excessive heat, moisture and direct sunlight. * Keep the container tightly closed where applicable. * Keep out of reach of children. * Do not use after the expiry date. * Do not use the medicine if the packaging is damaged or the tablets/capsules appear abnormal. ## PRESCRIPTION STATUS **Prescription medicine.** Ursodeoxycholic Acid 300 mg should be used under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional, particularly when treating liver or gallbladder disease. Prescription requirements may vary according to local regulations. ## GENUINE MEDICINE ASSURANCE For safe and genuine medicine use: * Purchase Ursodeoxycholic Acid only from a licensed and reputable pharmacy. * Check the medicine name and **300 mg strength**. * Verify the batch number and expiry date. * Ensure the packaging and seal are intact. * Check the manufacturer's details. * Avoid medicines with damaged, altered or suspicious packaging. * Purchase medicines only from authorized sources. * Consult a pharmacist if you have concerns about product authenticity. ## FAQ ### What is Ursodeoxycholic Acid 300 mg used for? Ursodeoxycholic Acid 300 mg is used for certain **liver, bile-flow and gallbladder conditions**, including primary biliary cholangitis and selected cholesterol gallstones. ### Is Ursodeoxycholic Acid the same as Ursodiol? Yes. **Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA)** is also commonly called **ursodiol**. ### How does Ursodeoxycholic Acid work? UDCA changes the composition of bile, reduces the harmful effects of certain bile acids and improves bile flow. It can also reduce cholesterol saturation in bile. ### Can Ursodeoxycholic Acid dissolve gallstones? It can gradually dissolve certain **small, cholesterol-rich, non-calcified gallstones** in appropriately selected patients. It does not dissolve all types of gallstones. ### How long does Ursodeoxycholic Acid take to dissolve gallstones? Gallstone dissolution can take **several months or longer**, depending on the size and type of stones and the function of the gallbladder. Follow-up imaging is generally required. ### Is Ursodeoxycholic Acid used for fatty liver? UDCA is not a standard treatment for all forms of fatty liver disease. Its use depends on the specific liver condition and should be determined by a healthcare professional. ### Is Ursodeoxycholic Acid used for jaundice? UDCA may be used for certain cholestatic liver conditions that can cause jaundice. However, jaundice has many possible causes and requires medical evaluation. ### Can Ursodeoxycholic Acid improve liver enzymes? Yes. In certain cholestatic liver diseases, UDCA can help improve abnormal liver enzyme levels. The response depends on the underlying condition. ### Is Ursodeoxycholic Acid used for primary biliary cholangitis? Yes. UDCA is an established treatment for **primary biliary cholangitis (PBC)** and is used to improve bile-related liver injury and disease outcomes. ### Should Ursodeoxycholic Acid be taken with food? It is commonly taken **with food**, depending on the specific product and prescribed regimen. Follow your doctor's instructions. ### Does Ursodeoxycholic Acid cause diarrhea? Yes. **Diarrhea or loose stools** is one of the more common side effects. Persistent or severe diarrhea should be reported to your healthcare professional. ### Can Ursodeoxycholic Acid cause stomach pain? Abdominal discomfort or pain can occur. Severe or persistent abdominal pain should be evaluated because it may also indicate an underlying gallbladder or bile-duct problem. ### Can I take Ursodeoxycholic Acid with antacids? Some aluminum-containing antacids can interfere with UDCA absorption. Your pharmacist or doctor may recommend separating the doses. ### Can I take Ursodeoxycholic Acid with Cholestyramine? Cholestyramine can bind bile acids and reduce UDCA absorption. If both are prescribed, they generally need to be taken at appropriately separated times. ### Can Ursodeoxycholic Acid be taken during pregnancy? UDCA may be used during pregnancy for certain medical conditions when prescribed by a healthcare professional. Discuss pregnancy or plans for pregnancy with your doctor before starting or continuing treatment. ### Can Ursodeoxycholic Acid be taken while breastfeeding? Consult your healthcare professional before use while breastfeeding. Your doctor can assess the specific indication and treatment requirements. ### Can I stop Ursodeoxycholic Acid when I feel better? Do not stop treatment without medical advice. Some liver and gallbladder conditions require long-term therapy even when symptoms improve. ### What should I do if I miss a dose? Take the missed dose when you remember unless it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take a double dose. ### Can Ursodeoxycholic Acid be used for children? UDCA can be prescribed to children for certain liver and bile-flow disorders, but the dose is generally based on **body weight and the specific condition**. It should only be used in children under medical supervision. ### Does Ursodeoxycholic Acid cause weight loss? No. UDCA is not a weight-loss medicine and should not be used for weight management. ### What happens if I take too much Ursodeoxycholic Acid? An overdose may cause diarrhea and gastrointestinal symptoms. Contact a healthcare professional or poison-control/emergency service if a large amount has been taken. ### How should Ursodeoxycholic Acid 300 mg be stored? Store according to the manufacturer's instructions, protected from excessive heat, moisture and direct sunlight. Keep it in the original packaging and out of reach of children. ## MEDICAL DISCLAIMER This information is provided for educational and informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Ursodeoxycholic Acid 300 mg is a prescription medicine used for specific liver, bile-flow and gallbladder conditions. **Not all gallstones respond to UDCA**, and treatment for gallstones requires appropriate medical evaluation and follow-up. Do not self-treat unexplained jaundice, severe abdominal pain or other symptoms of possible gallbladder or liver disease. Take the medicine only at the prescribed dose and duration. Consult your healthcare professional before use during pregnancy, breastfeeding or when taking other medicines.