Drug reference
ursodiol
Bile acid
Bile acid
CDSCO approved
EXCRETION
—
not curated
INTERACTIONS
—
none in our sources
PREGNANCY
—
not curated
Mechanism
It is a hydroxy epimer of chenodiol. Decreases cholesterol content of bile. Acts primarily by inhibiting intestinal cholesterol absorption. Itself lowers cholesterol saturation index of bile and promotes solubilization by liquid crystal formation.
Indications
dissolve cholesterol gallstones
Dosing
- Adult
- 450–600 mg daily in 2–3 divided doses after meals
Side effects
Common
diarrhoea (infrequent)hypertransaminaemia (infrequent)
Serious
- effect on mucosal resistance is similar to chenodiol (favouring ulceration)
- calcification of some gall stones may be induced
Related guidelines
Other Bile acid drugs
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Sources: KD Tripathi 7e·Verified: 2026-05-10 · House clinical team