Ursodiol (ursodeoxycholic acid): what it treats and how it works
Ursodiol is a prescription bile acid used to treat certain liver and gallbladder problems. You’ll see it called ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA). It helps dissolve small cholesterol gallstones and improves bile flow in some chronic liver conditions. People use it for primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) and, in some cases, to ease cholestasis during pregnancy — always under a clinician’s care.
How it’s used and typical doses
How much you take depends on the condition. For gallstone dissolution, doctors commonly prescribe about 8–10 mg per kg of body weight per day, taken in divided doses. For PBC the usual range is higher, often 13–15 mg/kg/day, split into two or three doses. Your doctor will pick a dose based on your weight and liver tests. Expect treatment to run for months — dissolving stones or improving liver enzymes takes time.
Take ursodiol with food to help absorption and reduce stomach upset. Don’t stop suddenly without checking with your provider; follow-up blood tests and sometimes imaging are needed to track progress.
Side effects, interactions and practical tips
Most people tolerate ursodiol well. Common side effects include diarrhea, mild stomach pain, nausea, and occasional bloating. Rarely, liver tests can worsen; that’s why doctors monitor blood work. If you notice severe abdominal pain, jaundice, or worsening itching, contact your clinician right away.
Ursodiol can interact with medicines and other products that change bile or bind drugs in the gut. Bile acid sequestrants (like cholestyramine) can reduce ursodiol absorption. Tell your provider about all medicines, supplements, and antacids you take so they can adjust timing or doses.
If you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or trying to get pregnant, discuss risks and benefits with your doctor. In some cases of pregnancy-related cholestasis, doctors may prescribe ursodiol, but that decision is individualized.
Want to buy ursodiol or refill a prescription? Always use a licensed pharmacy. Online pharmacies can be convenient, but look for these red flags: no prescription requirement, missing contact details, unusually low prices, or no verifiable license. Prefer pharmacies with a clear return policy, secure checkout, and good reviews. If unsure, call your local pharmacist or ask your prescriber for a trusted source.
Quick checklist before starting ursodiol: confirm the exact diagnosis and expected treatment length, get baseline liver tests, review other medications for interactions, and agree on how often you’ll have follow-up labs. That keeps treatment safe and effective.
If you have specific questions about dosing, side effects, or where to fill a prescription, ask your doctor or pharmacist. They can tailor advice to your health, tests, and medications so you get the right care.
