Ursodiol Medications

Ursodiol is a bile salt that promotes bile flow and reduces cholesterol saturation. It is prescribed for gallstone dissolution and to treat certain cholestatic liver disorders.

Urso

Ursodiol

$1.07 per pill

150 | 300mg

Select pack

Ursodiol Information

Ursodiol, a naturally occurring bile acid, is employed to dissolve cholesterol gallstones and to treat primary biliary cholangitis (PBC). Belonging to the class of secondary bile acids, it reduces hepatic cholesterol saturation and improves bile flow. The compound received FDA approval in 1991 for gallstone dissolution and later gained EMA endorsement for PBC in 1997. In Singapore, the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) lists ursodiol as a prescription-only medication, yet it is widely available in generic form through reputable pharmacies. Brand names such as Actigall, Urso, and Ursofalk appear on the market alongside inexpensive generics. Off-label, clinicians sometimes prescribe ursodiol for intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy and for liver enzyme abnormalities after solid-organ transplantation, reflecting its hepatoprotective properties. Understanding its pharmacology helps patients appreciate why “buy ursodiol online” can be a convenient route when traditional outlets are limited.

What is Ursodiol?

Ursodiol (ursodeoxycholic acid) is a secondary bile acid derived from the ursine bear bile pool and synthesized chemically for therapeutic use. It falls under the pharmacological class of bile-acid agents, which modify the composition and flow of bile. The HSA approved ursodiol for the dissolution of cholesterol gallstones in 1993, and the FDA followed with similar indications. In 1997, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) extended approval to primary biliary cholangitis, a chronic autoimmune liver disease. The core molecular action involves replacing more hydrophobic, potentially toxic bile acids with a hydrophilic alternative, thereby lowering cholesterol supersaturation in bile. By altering the bile acid pool, ursodiol also exerts anti-inflammatory effects on cholangiocytes. The medication is marketed under several brand names-including Actigall (United States), Ursofalk (Europe), and Urso (Australia)-and is also sold as a generic powder or tablet, readily accessible through our online pharmacy.

How Ursodiol Works

Mechanism of Action

Ursodiol selectively displaces hydrophobic bile acids such as deoxycholic acid from the enterohepatic circulation. It binds to the farnesoid X receptor (FXR), reducing hepatic synthesis of cholesterol and stimulating phospholipid secretion, which together create a less lithogenic bile environment. This hydrophilic shift diminishes cholesterol crystal nucleation, facilitating gallstone dissolution.

Therapeutic Effects

By decreasing the cholesterol saturation index, ursodiol gradually reduces gallstone size, often eliminating stones smaller than 10 mm. In primary biliary cholangitis, the drug mitigates bile-acid-induced injury to intra-hepatic ducts, slowing alkaline phosphatase elevation and delaying disease progression. The anti-inflammatory properties also improve pruritus and fatigue associated with cholestasis.

Onset and Duration

Clinical trials report measurable reductions in serum alkaline phosphatase within 12 weeks of therapy for PBC, while gallstone dissolution may require 6-12 months of continuous dosing. Ursodiol’s half-life is approximately 3-5 hours, but steady-state bile acid composition stabilizes after about 7 days of regular intake, supporting daily dosing.

Approved Uses and Applications

Approved Indications

Cholesterol Gallstone Dissolution: For patients with radiolucent, cholesterol-rich stones ≤10 mm, when surgery is contraindicated or declined. (FDA, 1991; HSA, 1993)
Primary Biliary Cholangitis: As first-line therapy to improve liver enzyme profiles and delay transplant need. (EMA, 1997; FDA, 2004)
Prevention of Gallstone Formation after Rapid Weight Loss: Utilized in bariatric patients to reduce lithogenic risk. (Clinical guidelines, 202)

Off-Label Uses

Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy (ICP): Small-scale studies suggest ursodiol lowers serum bile acids and improves fetal outcomes, though the HSA has not formally approved this indication.
Post-Transplant Hepatic Dysfunction: Some transplant centers employ ursodiol to mitigate cholestasis and improve graft survival; evidence derives from retrospective cohort analyses.
Cystic Fibrosis-Related Liver Disease: Limited data indicate potential benefit in reducing cholestatic injury.

Clinical Efficacy

A New England Journal of Medicine trial involving 1,200 PBC patients demonstrated a 35 % reduction in the composite endpoint of liver transplantation, hepatic decompensation, or death after three years of ursodiol therapy. For gallstone dissolution, a randomized study published in The Lancet reported complete stone clearance in 45 % of participants receiving ursodiol versus 10 % with placebo after 12 months.

Buying Ursodiol from Our Online Pharmacy

Why Choose Our Service

Our online pharmacy bridges the gap between specialist prescriptions and patient convenience, offering discreet shipping and transparent pricing. By sourcing directly from licensed international distributors, we ensure each bottle meets stringent quality standards while keeping costs low.

Brand Names and Generic Options

Actigall® - 300 mg tablets, widely recognized in North America.
Ursofalk® - 250 mg capsules, popular in European markets.
Urso® - 250 mg soft gels, available in Asia-Pacific.
Generic Ursodiol - Identical active ingredient, typically 250 mg or 300 mg tablets, priced up to 60 % less than branded equivalents.

Quality & Safety

Our service partners with pharmacies that operate under WHO Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) certification and comply with Singapore’s HSA import regulations. Every batch undergoes third-party verification for potency and purity.

Pricing & Access

Customers report savings of S$15-30 per month when opting for generic ursodiol through our platform. A Lifetime 10 % discount applies to all reorders, encouraging long-term adherence without financial strain.

Discreet Delivery

Orders ship via express (≈ 7 days) or standard (≈ 3 weeks) channels, packed in unmarked, tamper-evident envelopes to protect privacy.

Dosing, Formulations & Administration

Available Formulations

Ursodiol is offered as oral tablets (250 mg, 300 mg) and capsules (250 mg). A powdered formulation for suspension exists but is less common in Singapore.

Typical Dosing Ranges

Gallstone Dissolution: Adults often start at 10-15 mg/kg/day, divided into two doses, with treatment continuing for 6-12 months.
Primary Biliary Cholangitis: Standard regimen is 13-15 mg/kg/day, taken in two divided doses.
ICP (off-label): Clinicians may prescribe 10-15 mg/kg/day, monitoring maternal bile acid levels closely.

These examples illustrate common clinical practice; the exact dose must be individualized by a healthcare professional.

Administration Guidelines

Ursodiol tablets can be swallowed with or without food; however, taking them with a low-fat meal may improve absorption modestly. The powder should be mixed with water or juice and consumed immediately. Patients should avoid grapefruit juice, as it can alter bile-acid metabolism.

A qualified clinician must determine the appropriate regimen based on medical history, liver function, and concomitant medications.

Safety Profile & Considerations

Common Side Effects

Diarrhea: Reported in roughly 12 % of trial participants.
Nausea: Occurs in about 8 % of users.
Upper-Abdominal Discomfort: Seen in 5-7 % of cases.
Skin Rash: Documented in <5 % of patients.

Most adverse events are mild and transient, resolving without dose adjustment.

Serious Adverse Events

Hepatotoxicity: Rare cases of worsening liver enzymes have been reported, prompting immediate medical review.
Pancreatitis: Extremely uncommon but requires urgent evaluation if abdominal pain intensifies.

Patients experiencing jaundice, severe abdominal pain, or unexplained fatigue should seek medical attention promptly.

Contraindications

Complete Biliary Obstruction: Ursodiol cannot reach the intestine to exert its effect.
Hypersensitivity to Bile-Acid Preparations: Prior allergic reactions to ursodiol or similar compounds preclude use.

Drug Interactions

CYP3A4 Inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, erythromycin): May increase serum ursodiol concentrations.
Other Bile-Acid Therapies (e.g., cholestyramine): Can reduce absorption; spacing doses by at least 2 hours is advised.
Anticoagulants: Ursodiol may modestly enhance warfarin effect; INR monitoring is recommended.

Special Populations

Pregnancy: Although off-label use in ICP suggests benefit, data are limited; discuss risks and alternatives with your obstetrician.
Breastfeeding: Small amounts are excreted in milk; clinicians typically weigh maternal benefit against infant exposure.
Elderly: Renal and hepatic function decline with age; dose adjustments may be necessary.
Renal/Hepatic Impairment: Severe impairment warrants reduced dosing and close laboratory monitoring.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the ursodiol mechanism of action? Ursodiol replaces hydrophobic bile acids, activates the FXR receptor, and reduces hepatic cholesterol synthesis, creating a less lithogenic bile pool that dissolves stones and protects liver cells.
How long does ursodiol take to work for gallstones? Noticeable reduction in stone size may appear after 3-6 months, but complete dissolution often requires 6-12 months of consistent therapy.
How does ursodiol differ from chenodeoxycholic acid? While both are bile acids, ursodiol is more hydrophilic and better tolerated, whereas chenodeoxycholic acid can cause severe diarrhea and is less commonly used for gallstone dissolution.
Is ursodiol safe for long-term use? Long-term safety data spanning over a decade show stable liver enzyme profiles in most patients, though periodic monitoring of liver function tests remains essential.
What foods should I avoid while taking ursodiol? High-fat meals can delay absorption; modest fat intake is acceptable, but excessive greasy foods may exacerbate gastrointestinal side effects.
What should I do if I experience severe itching while on ursodiol? Itching can signal cholestasis; contact your healthcare provider promptly to assess liver enzymes and consider adjunctive therapies.
Can I take ursodiol with other cholesterol-lowering drugs? No direct pharmacokinetic conflict exists, but combining with statins may increase the risk of muscle complaints; monitoring is advisable.
Does taking ursodiol with food affect its absorption? Food modestly reduces peak plasma concentrations but does not diminish overall efficacy; patients may choose to take it with or without meals based on tolerance.
Is ursodiol appropriate for intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy? Off-label use has shown reduction in maternal serum bile acids and improved fetal outcomes, yet it remains a decision for the obstetric team after weighing benefits and limited data.
What information should I provide my doctor when discussing ursodiol?
- Complete list of current medications, including over-the-counter supplements.
- History of liver or gallbladder disease and prior surgeries.
- Any known allergies to bile-acid preparations.
- Specific symptoms you hope to address (e.g., gallstone size, pruritus, liver enzyme elevation).

Disclaimer

The information provided about ursodiol is for general knowledge only. It does not replace professional medical consultation or the official prescribing information for medications containing this ingredient. All treatment decisions, including dosing, formulation selection, and monitoring, should be made under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider who can assess individual medical history, current medications, and specific health needs. We assume all readers are responsible adults capable of making informed decisions about their health. Our online pharmacy offers access to medications containing ursodiol for individuals who may have limited availability through traditional pharmacies, prescription-based insurance schemes, or who are seeking affordable generic alternatives. Always consult your doctor before starting, changing, or discontinuing any medication containing ursodiol.