How It Works
Bile acids work slowly to dissolve
gallstones made of
cholesterol. Pills are taken daily for up to 2
years.
- These medicines help prevent gallstones from
forming during rapid weight loss.
- They may be used after
lithotripsy (extracorporeal shock wave treatment) to help gallstone fragments
dissolve more quickly.
Why It Is Used
Medicine is sometimes used in the
small group of people for whom the risks of surgery are too high. People who
are treated with medicine should meet the following criteria:
- The gallbladder functions normally, as seen on
an oral cholecystogram (OCG) or a hepatobiliary (HIDA) scan.
- Gallstones are small [less than
0.6 in. (1.5 cm) in
diameter].
- Gallstones float in the
gallbladder.
- Gallstones are not calcified. Gallstones that can be
seen on X-ray usually contain calcium and will not
dissolve.
- Symptoms caused by gallstones are mild or do not occur
often.
- Surgery would be risky.
- No underlying liver
problems exist.
- The cystic duct, which connects the gallbladder to
the
common bile duct, is open and can allow stones to
pass.
How Well It Works
Because the gallbladder is not
removed, gallstones often come back.
Side Effects
The main side effect of ursodiol is
diarrhea. It also may cause nausea or headache.
See Drug
Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference is not available in
all systems.)
What To Think About
Experts do not know what
percentage of stones that recur will cause symptoms. Another round of treatment
may be an option if symptoms recur.
Complete the new medication information form (PDF) 
(What is a PDF document?)
to help you understand this medication.
Credits
| Author | Monica Rhodes |
| Editor | Kathleen M. Ariss, MS |
| Associate Editor | Pat Truman, MATC |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Jerome B. Simon, MD, FRCPC, FACP - Gastroenterology |
| Last Updated | August 2, 2007 |
