Ursodiol

Other Names: Actigall, Urso

Commonly Prescribed For: Ursodiol is primarily prescribed for the treatment and prevention of gallstones. It can also be used to treat other conditions such as non alcoholic steatosis hepatitis, cystic fibrosis or pruritus.

How to Take It: Ursodiol should only be taken in the way in which it was prescribed by your doctor. Larger doses should not be taken and it should not be taken for longer than prescribed. It comes in tablet form and should be swallowed with a glass of water. Ursodiol can be taken with meals and full benefit comes from taking the drug regularly. Ursodiol can take months to dissolve the gallstones fully so it is important to take it for as long as it has been prescribed.

How It Works: Ursodiol works by dissolving gallstones. It supplements the production of bile which the body naturally produces to absorb fats and some vitamins from the diet. By increasing the amount of bile in the body, Ursodiol helps the body to dissolve cholesterol which is what makes gallstones.

Some Side Effects: Side Effects of Ursodiol can include flu symptoms such as fever, body aches or chills, dizziness, abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, constipation, cold symptoms such as runny or blocked nose, back pain or headache. Other serious symptoms could include hives, trouble breathing, or swelling of the face, mouth, tongue or throat.