|  | Conditions Treatments | Prescription Drugs

Ursodiol Classifications

Ursodiol is a prescription medication used in the treatment and prevention of gallstones. Before taking Ursodiol, you should be made aware of the drug classifications, side effects, interactions and precisely how the drug works. Before taking and while taking Ursodiol, it is important that you maintain close contact with your physician in order to track your progress and control potential side effects.

  1. Classification

    • Ursodoil is an anticholelithic drug used to dissolve gallstones. It is commonly used as an alternative to surgery for patients who are not healthy enough to have surgery or for patients who choose not to have surgery. Ursodoil also can be used to prevent gallstones in obese patients who have begun to rapidly lose weight. This drug is a bile acid that works by lowering cholesterol production as well as dissolving the cholesterol found in bile. As a result, gallstones are unable to form.

    Names

    • Ursodoil is a generic name of this prescription drug. Ursodoil also may be sold under the brand names of Actigall, Urso and Urso Forte.

    Dosage

    • Ursodiol is an oral medication that is usually taken two to three times daily in order to treat existing gallstones. Ursodiol is normally taken twice a day when used as a preventative measure. It generally takes this drug a few months to begin working. It may take as long as two years for your gallstones to completely dissolve. Gallstones still can reoccur after successful Ursodiol treatment.

    Side Effects

    • The potential for side effects exists when taking Ursodiol. If you experience the signs of an allergic reaction -- hives, swelling and difficulty breathing -- seek emergency medical care immediately. You also may experience less serious side effects that include stomach pains, diarrhea, nausea, constipation, back pain, fatigue, lightheadedness, fever, chills, runny nose, headache and other flu-like symptoms. These types of symptoms do not require emergency care but you should mention them to your doctor.

    Interactions

    • Before taking Ursodiol, inform your doctor of any other medications you may be taking. Ursodiol can have a negative effect when interacting with estrogens, antacids, colestipol, cholestyramine, vitamins, minerals and other over-the-counter herbal products. Your doctor also should be made aware if you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Prescription Drugs - Related Articles