Urso 300

Indications

Urso is prescribed for treating various hepatobiliary disorders including:

• Cholestasis (Jaundice)
• Viral Hepatitis
• Alcoholic Fatty Liver
• Primary Biliary Cirrhosis (PBC)
• Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC)
• Dissolution of Gallstones
• Non-Alcoholic Steato Hepatitis (NASH)

Description

Urso, or Ursodeoxycholic Acid, is used to reduce cholesterol saturation in bile and facilitate gallstone dissolution. By altering bile composition from supersaturated to unsaturated, it promotes the formation of liquid cholesterol crystal complexes, aiding their removal from the gallbladder into the intestine.

Pharmacology

Ursodeoxycholic Acid decreases cholesterol secretion into bile by reducing absorption and suppressing liver synthesis of cholesterol. It does not inhibit bile acid synthesis, thereby transforming bile composition and enhancing gallstone solubility.

Dosage & Administration

• Dissolution of Gallstones: 8-12 mg/kg/day, taken as a single nighttime dose or in divided doses.
• Primary Biliary Cirrhosis: 10-15 mg/kg/day, in 2-4 divided doses.
• Acute Viral Hepatitis: 600 mg/day.
• Alcoholic Fatty Liver: 300 mg/day.
• Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis: 25-30 mg/kg/day.
• Dissolution of Gallstones and Non-Alcoholic Steato Hepatitis: 13-15 mg/kg/day.

Interaction

Avoid concurrent use of Urso with drugs that increase bile cholesterol (e.g., estrogenic hormones) or bile-acid binding drugs (e.g., antacids, charcoal, cholestyramine) as they may reduce its efficacy.

Contraindications

Urso should not be used in cases of non-functioning gallbladder, calcified and pigmented gallstones, or inflammatory bowel disease.

Side Effects

Common side effects may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, gallstone opacification, and pruritus.

Pregnancy & Lactation

Urso is classified as pregnancy category B, indicating no documented harm during pregnancy or breastfeeding. It has been safely used for treating cholestasis of pregnancy during the last trimester.

Precautions & Warnings

Use Urso cautiously in individuals with liver disease.

Therapeutic Class

Anti-gallstones drugs: Bile Acids

Storage Conditions

Store below 25°C, protected from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.