Medications and Drugs
GENERIC NAME: URSODIOL - ORAL (yur-so-DYE-all)
BRAND NAME(S): Actigall, Urso
Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage
USES: Ursodiol is used to prevent and treat the formation of certain types of gallstones or for liver disease (biliary cirrhosis).
HOW TO USE: Take this medication exactly as directed. It is important to take each dose and not to skip doses. Do not increase the dose or take it more often than prescribed as side effects can result. Do not stop using this medicine without consulting your doctor.
SIDE EFFECTS: Notify your doctor if you experience any of the following effects: diarrhea, severe stomach pains (especially in the upper right side), nausea, vomiting. Other side effects include stomach upset, loss of appetite, gas, headache, tiredness, trouble sleeping, dry or itchy skin, sweating, thinning of the hair, cough, runny nose, metal taste in the mouth, muscle pain, nervousness or depression. These effects may disappear as your body adjusts to the medication. If they continue or become bothersome, inform your doctor. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your medical history, especially: liver disease, any allergies. Before using this drug, notify your doctor if you are pregnant. It is unknown if ursodiol is excreted into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of any over-the-counter or prescription medication you may take especially: estrogen, birth control pills, medication to reduce cholesterol levels (such as cholestyramine, clofibrate, or colestipol), aluminum antacids, sucralfate. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
- Drug Interactions - Learn about potential drug interactions you may be exposed to. Drug interactions can occur with prescription drugs, OTC medication, vitamins, herbs, and supplements.
- Gallstones - Learn about gallstones symptoms like biliary colic, constant pain in the middle of the upper abdomen, or right upper abomen accompanied by nausea. Causes and treatment information is also included.
- Primary Biliary Cirrhosis - Learn more about Primary Biliary Cirrhosis (PBC), including a description, scope of the problem, causes, symptoms, risk factors, diagnosis, natural progression (course of disease), medications, and treatments associated with different symptoms, complications, and diseases related to PBC.
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