Indications
Actigall (active ingredient: ursodiol) is a prescription medication indicated for the following:
- Gallstone Dissolution: Actigall is used to dissolve cholesterol gallstones in patients who do not need to undergo gallbladder removal surgery. It is particularly effective for small, radiolucent, non-calcified cholesterol gallstones with a functioning gallbladder.
- Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC): Actigall is also indicated for the treatment of primary biliary cholangitis, a chronic liver disease characterized by the destruction of small bile ducts within the liver, leading to impaired bile flow and liver damage.
Actigall belongs to a class of drugs known as bile acid derivatives, which work by decreasing the production of cholesterol and the absorption of cholesterol from the intestines, thereby reducing the cholesterol content of bile and promoting the dissolution of gallstones.
Uses and Dosage
Ursodiol is typically taken as a tablet by mouth, with a meal or immediately after eating, usually two or three times a day to treat gallstones and two times a day to prevent gallstones in people who are losing weight quickly. Swallow the tablet and drink a glass of water thereafter. Do not split or chew this oral drug. In addition, do not eat foods that are high in calories or cholesterol and do not take antacids as these may lessen the effectiveness of the drug.
For treating primary biliary cholangitis, the tablets are usually taken 2 or 4 times a day with food. Follow the prescription label carefully and ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist to explain any part that is not understandable.
The recommended adult dosage for Ursodiol tablets, 250 mg, and 500 mg, is 8-10 mg/kg/day, divided into two or three doses. To get the maximum benefit, take ursodiol exactly as directed by your doctor. Do not take more or less than the prescribed dosage or take it more frequently than recommended. If you miss a dose, you should take it as soon as possible, but you should not take two doses at once to make up for the missed dose.
Side Effect
Common Side Effects of Actigall (Ursodiol):
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Stomach upset
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
Serious Side Effects of Actigall (Ursodiol):
- Severe fatigue
- Increased urination
- Swollen ankles and feet
- Easy bruising
- Bleeding
- Signs of an infection (fever, persistent sore throat, chills)
Form and Strength
Actigall (Ursodiol) is available in the following forms and strength:
Actigall: Tablet
- 250 mg
Ursodiol: Tablet
- 250 mg
- 300 mg
- 500 mg
Caution
- Patients with liver or kidney disease may need to receive a lower dosage of Ursodiol or may not be able to take it at all.
- Ursodiol may interact with certain medications, including aluminum antacids, birth control pills, and cholesterol-lowering drugs, so patients taking these medications should consult their doctor before taking Ursodiol.
- Patients with certain types of gallstones, such as calcified gallstones, should not take Ursodiol.
- Ursodiol may cause side effects such as diarrhea, constipation, and nausea, and patients should report any unexpected side effects to their doctor.
- Ursodiol may increase the risk of developing or aggravating liver and bile duct disorders, and in rare cases can cause liver failure or fatal liver disease.
- Patients with a history of pancreatitis or certain digestive disorders should use Ursodiol with caution.
- Ursodiol should not be taken during pregnancy or while breastfeeding, as it may harm the developing fetus or nursing infant.
- Patients with a known hypersensitivity to Ursodiol or any of its components should not take Ursodiol.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long will it take for this medication to dissolve my gallstone?
It could take a couple of months up to two years for your gallstones to dissolve completely.
Who should not take Ursodiol?
Ursodiol should not be taken by individuals with a blocked bile duct, an acute inflammation of the gallbladder, or those who are allergic to bile acids or any of the ingredients in Ursodiol. It should also be used with caution in patients with liver or kidney disease.
Are there any special instructions for storing Ursodiol?
Ursodiol should be stored at room temperature away from light and moisture and kept out of reach of children.
Is Ursodiol safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women?
Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding to consult with their healthcare provider before taking Ursodiol, as it may not be safe for use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
Can Ursodiol be used to prevent gallstones from forming?
Yes, Ursodiol is also used to prevent the formation of gallstones in patients who are at risk for developing them.
Resources
- https://www.rxlist.com/how_do_gallstone_solubilizing_agents_work/drug-class.htm
- https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a699047.html
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/ursodiol-oral-route/side-effects/drg-20066618?p=1
- https://www.drugs.com/mtm/actigall.html
- https://www.goodrx.com/ursodiol/what-is
- https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-6664/actigall-oral/details
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