Ursodeoxycholic acid is a natural bile acid, listed on some packs as urosddeoxy acid. It reduces the cholesterol in bile and protects liver cells from the damaging effect of other bile acids.

What Ursodeoxycholic Acid Is Used For

Dissolving small cholesterol gallstones
Primary biliary cholangitis
Cholestasis of pregnancy, on obstetric advice
Some other liver and bile duct conditions

Common Side Effects

Loose motions
Nausea
Abdominal discomfort
Itching early in treatment

Precautions

Dissolving gallstones is slow, often taking many months, and works only for small stones of the right type, so an ultrasound guides whether it is worth trying. Liver blood tests are monitored. It does not help stones that are calcified or where the gallbladder is not working. Severe pain in the upper abdomen with fever or jaundice needs urgent assessment.

This page is general information only. It is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or pharmacist, and it does not include dosage. Always follow the directions given to you and read the leaflet inside the pack.