Ursodeoxycholic acid, a secondary bile acid.
Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), commonly known by the generic name ursodiol, is a naturally occurring secondary bile acid used primarily to treat cholestatic liver diseases and to dissolve certain types of gallstones.
Helps regulate cholesterol by reducing the rate at which the intestine absorbs cholesterol molecules.
Breaks up micelles containing cholesterol.
Ursodeoxycholic acid used to treat cholesterol gallstones.
Suspected to be chemopreventative for colon cancer.
Suppresses immune responses such as immune cell phagocytosis.
Increases systemic levels can be toxic.
Is used to treat primary biliary cirrhosis.
Can reduce elevated liver enzyme levels by facilitating bile flow through the liver and protects hepatocyte.
UDCA is the FDA-approved first-line treatment for primary Biliary Cholangitis.
It helps improve bile flow, reduces liver damage, and can delay the progression to cirrhosis.
It is used to dissolve small, non-calcified cholesterol gallstones in patients who cannot undergo surgery.
Gallstone Prevention: Often prescribed for patients experiencing rapid weight loss (e.g., after bariatric surgery) to prevent new stones from forming.
Ssometimes used for intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP), primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), and liver issues related to cystic fibrosis.
Works through several mechanisms:
Replaces toxic, hydrophobic bile acids in the bile pool with its own non-toxic, hydrophilic form.
Cholesterol Reduction: It decreases the amount of cholesterol released by the liver and absorbed by the intestines, helping to break down gallstones.
Cytoprotection: It protects hepatocytes) and bile duct cells from damage caused by toxic bile acids.
Dosage: Typically taken orally as a tablet or capsule, often with food to enhance absorption.
Side Effects: include diarrhea, nausea, abdominal discomfort, and headache.
Aluminum-containing antacids and certain cholesterol-lowering drugs (like cholestyramine) can interfere with its absorption.