Ursodeoxycholic Acid: Brands, Price & Uses in Bangladesh

Ursodeoxycholic Acid is a naturally occurring bile acid used for the following established indications:

• Dissolution of gallstones: Ursodeoxycholic Acid is indicated for the dissolution of small to medium-sized radiolucent (non-calcified, cholesterol-rich) gallstones in patients for whom surgery (cholecystectomy) is not an option or is being deferred.
• Prevention of gallstones during rapid weight loss: Ursodeoxycholic Acid is used to prevent gallstone formation in patients undergoing rapid weight loss, such as after bariatric surgery or very-low-calorie diet programs.
• Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), previously called primary biliary cirrhosis: Ursodeoxycholic Acid is indicated to slow disease progression and improve liver biochemistry and survival without liver transplantation in patients with PBC.

Ursodeoxycholic Acid is also used, under specialist guidance, in certain other cholestatic liver conditions (e.g., intrahepatic cholestasis), though such use should be individualized by the treating physician.

Ursodeoxycholic Acid is not a substitute for cholecystectomy when surgery is clinically indicated.

Dosing of Ursodeoxycholic Acid is individualized by indication and is generally weight-based. The following are typical adult dosing ranges; the treating physician should determine the exact dose and duration for each patient.

Gallstone dissolution (radiolucent, non-calcified stones):

• Approximately 8-10 mg/kg/day of Ursodeoxycholic Acid, given in 2-3 divided doses with food.
• Ultrasound imaging is typically repeated at intervals (e.g., every 6 months) to assess gallstone dissolution; therapy may need to continue for many months.

Prevention of gallstones during rapid weight loss:

• 600 mg/day of Ursodeoxycholic Acid (300 mg twice daily), started at the beginning of the weight-loss program and continued for its duration, per physician instruction.

Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC):

• Approximately 13-15 mg/kg/day of Ursodeoxycholic Acid, given in 2-4 divided doses, usually as long-term/lifelong therapy.

Doses of Ursodeoxycholic Acid should be spaced at least 2 hours apart from aluminum-based antacids or bile acid-binding resins such as cholestyramine or colestipol (see Drug Interactions). Do not change the dose or stop Ursodeoxycholic Acid without consulting the prescribing physician.

Ursodeoxycholic Acid is generally well tolerated. Reported side effects include:

• Common: Diarrhea (the most frequently reported effect), abdominal pain, dyspepsia (indigestion), nausea, and headache.
• Less common: Constipation, dizziness, fatigue, hair thinning, skin rash, itching (pruritus), and metallic or unusual taste.
• Rare: Calcification of gallstones, and paradoxical worsening of liver function tests in some patients with primary biliary cholangitis, which requires periodic monitoring (see Precautions and Warnings).

Patients should seek medical attention if they notice worsening abdominal pain, jaundice (yellowing of skin/eyes), dark urine, or signs of an allergic reaction while taking Ursodeoxycholic Acid.