What is this medication for?
Ursodiol is used for treatment of primary biliary cirrhosis, an inflammatory condition that slowly destroys the bile ducts within the liver.
Ursodiol is a natural component of bile and helps to increase the amount of bile when taken by mouth. This helps symptoms associated with primary biliary cirrhosis.
Ursodiol is also used by patients undergoing rapid weight loss to help prevent the formation of gallstones, or it can be used by certain patients with existing gallstones to help dissolve them.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed here. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.
What form(s) does this medication come in?
Actigall® is available as:
Some medications may have other generic brands available. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safety of switching between brands of the same medication.
How should I use this medication?
The recommended adult dose of ursodiol for primary biliary cirrhosis is 6 mg to 7 mg per pound of body weight per day, taken in 2 to 4 divided doses with food.
The recommended adult dose of ursodiol for gallstone dissolution is 4 mg to 5 mg per pound of body weight per day, divided into 2 to 3 doses per day.
For gallstone prevention in rapid weight loss, the recommended adult dosage is 600 mg per day, which can be taken as 300 mg twice daily.
Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.
It is important that this medication be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Store the medication at room temperature and keep it out of reach of children.
Who should NOT take this medication?
Ursodiol should not be used by anyone who is sensitive or allergic to ursodiol or any ingredients of the medication.
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