Ursodiol (trade names Actigall, Ursofalk, Urso, Urso Forte) is a bile acid found in large quantities in bear bile; it also occurs naturally in human bile in smaller quantities.
The drug reduces cholesterol absorption and is used to dissolve gallstones in patients who want an alternative to surgery. The drug is very expensive, however, and if the patient stops taking it, the gallstones recur. For these reasons, it has not supplanted surgical treatment by cholecystectomy. It is also the recommended treatment for Primary biliary cirrhosis, and other cholestatic diseases, and the primary medicine given to children with biliary atresia.
Mechanism of action
Ursodiol, whose chemical name is ursodeoxycholic acid, reduces elevated liver enzyme levels by facilitating bile flow through the liver and protecting liver cells.
Supply
The commercial drug is synthesized, it is not derived from animals.
History
Ursodiol was brought to market by the Montreal-based Axcan Pharma in 1998, which continues to market the drug.
MEDIC8®: a-z of diseases
Clinics & treatments
Medic8® Guides
- Cosmetic Surgery
- Cosmetic Dentistry
- Weight Loss Surgery
- Laser Eye Surgery
- Laser Hair Removal
- Health Insurance
- Life Insurance
- Family Health
- Travel Health
Health centres
- Allergies
- Alternative Health
- Arthritis
- Asthma
- Blood Disorders
- Bones & Joints
- Bowel & Abdominal Problems
- Cancer
- Chest Problems
- Child Health
- Circulation Problems
- Diabetes
- Diet & Nutrition
- Drug Addiction
- Ear, Nose, & Throat Problems
- Elderly Health
- Eye Problems
- Heart Problems
- High Blood Pressure
- Hormone & Endocrine Problems
- Infections
- Infertility
- Liver Problems
- Medications
- Men's Health
- Mental Health
- Nervous System
- Personal & Social Issues
- Pregnancy & Birth
- Preventive Health
- Radiology
- Sexual Health
- Skin Problems
- Sports Medicine
- Surgery
- Travel Health
- Urinary & Kidney Problems
- Vaccination
- Women's Health
