Ursodeoxycholic acid is an effective choleretic and hepatoprotective agent

Ursodeoxycholic acid is a remedy having choleretic and hepatoprotective effects. It is made in the form of capsules, it is included as an active component in the composition of many cholagogue preparations.

Pharmacological properties

In its origin, the agent is a derivative of bile acid. It has, in addition to protective and choleretic action, immunomodulating properties, helps to reduce the formation of cholesterol in the blood and stones in the gallbladder. The drug helps stabilize the liver cells, gives them greater resistance when exposed to an aggressive environment. Ursodeoxycholic acid normalizes the activity of lymphocytes, eliminates the expression of antigens on the hepatic ducts and cells. Experts positively speak about the drug as a drug that reduces liver fibrosis in fatty alcoholic degeneration, cystic fibrosis, biliary primary cirrhosis. Absorption of the medication occurs in the small intestine, and the maximum concentration in the blood is reached three hours after ingestion.

Indications for use of the drug "Ursodeoxycholic acid"

Ursodex, Ursoliv, Urso, Ursofalk, Ursosan, in which the substance is an active ingredient, is prescribed for the complex treatment of cholelithiasis, in cases where the pathology is caused by high cholesterol, and removal by endoscopy or Surgery is not possible. Stones are pre-crushed if their size exceeds 2 cm. Ursodeoxycholic acid is used in chronic forms of active hepatitis, with bile congestion, in cystic fibrosis lesions of the liver, with biliary primary cirrhosis or reflux esophagitis, acute hepatitis. The reviews say that the remedy helps with cholecystopathy and dyskinesia of biliary tract. In addition, the medication is prescribed for the purpose of preventing stagnation of bile during the use of cytostatics, contraceptives.

Ursodeoxycholic acid: instruction, price

The medicine can be used at any age, even the newborn. Dosage is set by the doctor individually for each patient, depending on the weight and severity of manifestations of the disease. The average volume of the drug is 10 mg per kg. Use is required once in the evening. Once every three months during treatment, it is necessary to check the level of liver enzymes. With the excretion of gallstones, the liver and bile ducts are examined every six months. The cost of the drug is 400 rubles.

Contraindications and side effects

It is forbidden to use the remedy for acute inflammation of the gallbladder and outgoing tracts (cholangitis, cholecystitis). Appointments do not produce with cirrhosis of the liver, dysfunction of the kidneys, ulcerative nonspecific colitis, individual intolerance. Ursodeoxycholic acid can temporarily increase the level of hepatic enzymes. In rare cases, the drug causes diarrhea, calcification of gallstones, skin allergic manifestations.