URSOLIV 250
URSODEOXYCHOLIC ACID
What it does
Ursodeoxycholic acid is a medicine that helps improve liver function and can assist with certain liver diseases.
Commonly used for: liver disease, biliary cirrhosis, gallstones
Read more in plain English ↓Plain-language summary for general understanding - not medical advice. Always follow your pharmacist/doctor.
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Source: Pharmacy and Poisons Board · fetched 2026-01-28 20:17:57 · updated 2026-08-03 04:18:19
About this medicine
Ursodeoxycholic acid is a medicine that helps improve liver function and can assist with certain liver diseases.
What it treats
- liver disease
- biliary cirrhosis
- gallstones
How it works
It works by helping to dissolve cholesterol in the bile and promoting better liver health.
Who it's for
This medicine is for adults with specific liver problems or gallstones.
AI-assisted summary grounded in BNF data - general information only, not medical advice. Always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor.
Clinical monograph: ursodeoxycholic
Ursodeoxycholic acid is a bile acid that naturally occurs in the body. It is primarily used to dissolve cholesterol gallstones and to treat certain liver diseases, such as primary biliary cholangitis. It works by reducing cholesterol levels in bile, promoting bile flow, and enhancing the solubility of bile salts.
Indications
- Dissolution of cholesterol gallstones
- Primary biliary cholangitis
- Cholestatic liver disease
Dosage
Children: Refer to BNF for Children for appropriate paediatric dosing information.
Adults: Refer to BNF for specific dosing guidelines, as doses may vary based on the condition being treated.
Mechanism of action
Ursodeoxycholic acid works by decreasing the hepatic synthesis and secretion of cholesterol, thereby reducing cholesterol saturation in bile. It promotes the secretion of bile acids and enhances the solubilization of cholesterol in bile, facilitating the dissolution of cholesterol gallstones and improving liver function in cholestatic liver diseases.
Pharmacodynamics
The pharmacodynamic properties of ursodeoxycholic acid involve its ability to reduce liver inflammation, lower serum liver enzymes, and improve liver histology in patients with cholestatic liver diseases. Its effects on cholesterol metabolism help in the dissolution of gallstones and improve bile flow.
Pharmacokinetics
Ursodeoxycholic acid is well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. It undergoes enterohepatic recirculation, with a half-life of approximately 3 to 5 hours. It is metabolized in the liver and excreted mainly in the bile. The bioavailability of ursodeoxycholic acid is influenced by food intake, with absorption being increased when taken with meals.
Interactions
- fibrates+ursodeoxycholic acid: Severe (decreases efficacy)
- ursodeoxycholic acid+ciclosporin: Moderate (affects concentration)
Pregnancy
Ursodeoxycholic acid should be used in pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.
Breast-feeding
Ursodeoxycholic acid is excreted in breast milk. Caution should be exercised when administered to a nursing woman.
Storage
Store at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.
AI-synthesized from BNF references - general information only, not a substitute for professional medical advice or the current BNF. Verify doses with a pharmacist.
This drug in other countries
The same active ingredient registered across other registries we cover - including different brands.