Ursodiol (Systemic)

Brand Names : Actigall, URSO 250, URSO, Ursofalk, ursodeoxycholic acid, UDCA

Proper Use of This Medicine

Take ursodiol with meals for best results, unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

Take ursodiol for the full time of treatment, even if you begin to feel better . If you stop taking this medicine too soon, the gallstones may not dissolve as fast or may not dissolve at all.

Dosing - The dose of ursodiol will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label . The following information includes only the average doses of ursodiol. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so .

The number of capsules that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are taking ursodiol .

• For oral dosage form (capsules or tablets):
  • For gallstone disease:
    • Adults and children 12 years of age and older - The dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The usual dose is 8 to 10 milligrams (mg) per kilogram (kg) (3.6 to 4.5 mg per pound) of body weight a day, divided into two or three doses. Each dose is usually taken with a meal.
    • Children up to 12 years of age - Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
  • For prevention of gallstones during rapid weight loss:
    • Adults - Oral, 300 mg two times a day.
    • Children up to 12 years of age - Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
  • For cirrhosis of the liver:
    • Adults - The dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The usual dose is 13 to 15 milligrams (mg) per kilogram (kg) (5.85 to 6.75 mg per pound) of body weight a day, divided into two to four doses. Each dose should be taken with a meal.
    • Children up to 12 years of age - Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed dose - If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible or double your next dose.

Storage - To store this medicine:

• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Store away from heat and direct light.
• Do not store in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places. Heat or moisture may cause the medicine to break down.
• Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.