Ursocol 150 Tablet

Ursocol Tablet is used to dissolve gallstones in various liver-related disorders such as cirrhosis, sclerosing cholangitis and liver dysfunction. Ursocol Tablet contains ursodeoxycholic acid as its active ingredient. Gallstones are hardened deposits of digestive juices formed in the gall bladder (a small organ found under the liver).

It mainly occurs due to increased cholesterol content in bile juice. Ursocol Tablet acts as a dissolving agent, which reduces the cholesterol content in bile. Take this medicine as advised by your treating doctor, for the prescribed duration.

Dosage

Overdose

The most common symptom of an overdose of Ursocol is diarrhoea. Consult your doctor immediately if you have taken an excessive dose of this medicine.

Missed a Dose

If you missed any dose of Ursocol Tablets, take it as soon as you remember. If it's time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dose schedule. Do not take a double dose of this medicine to compensate for the missed one.

Mode of Action

How Does It Work?

Ursocol Tablet improve liver function. It works as a dissolving agent and thus reduces the cholesterol content in bile and controls the blood's amount of cholesterol. It is also known to control the synthesis of cholesterol and absorption from the intestine.

Directions for Use

• Ursocol Tablet should be taken as directed by your doctor. Swallow it whole with a glass of water. Do not cut, break or chew the medicine.
• It should be taken after having your meal. It would be best if you took it at a fixed time for optimal results.
• You should not consume it more than that prescribed by your doctor.

Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy

Can I take Ursocol Tablets during pregnancy?

There is limited information on the safety of Ursocol Tablets in pregnancy. Hence, it is recommended not to use the same unless prescribed by your doctor.

Breast Feeding

Can I take Ursocol Tablets while breastfeeding?

The safety of Ursocol Tablets is not established in breastfeeding women. Hence, it should not be used while breastfeeding.

Driving

Can I drive if I have consumed Ursocol Tablets?

It is not expected that Ursocol Tablet will affect your ability to drive but if you do not feel well or are unable to be alert, you should avoid driving.

Alcohol

Can I consume alcohol with Ursocol Tablets?

Although there is no known interaction with alcohol and Ursocol Tablet, it is essential to consult your physician if you have a habit of regular drinking.

Other General Warnings

Talk to your doctor if

• You have a history of liver disease or obstruction in bile passage, your doctor may ask you to do a liver function test regularly.
• You experience a persistent diarrhoea, your doctor may discontinue the therapy immediately.
• Women of childbearing age should use non-hormonal contraceptive measures (physical barrier) or low oestrogen oral contraceptive pills. Combination oral contraceptive pills should not be taken with Ursocol.
• Your doctor may ask you for an ultrasound after six months of the treatment to check the therapeutic improvement.
• It would be best if you avoided a high cholesterol diet during the treatment as it may affect the effectiveness of Ursocol.

Contraindications

• If you are allergic to ursodeoxycholic acid or any ingredient of Ursocol Tablet.
• If you have stomach or intestinal ulcer or bleeding.
• If you have recently had surgery involving any part of your intestine.
• If you have a liver-related disorder and non-functional gall bladder.
• If you are suffering from a liver or intestinal condition which affects the circulation of bile substances like blockage of the bile duct.
• If you are suffering from inflammation/blockage of the gall bladder or biliary tract.

Side effects

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Sticky stool

Interactions

Interactions with other medicines

• Ursocol Tablet may interact with other medications and provide an altered response to the treatment. Please notify your doctor if you are undergoing any other treatments, over-the-counter medications (that you buy without a prescription) and herbal preparations. Also, you should inform your doctor if you have a planned surgery or vaccination scheduled.
• Hormonal pills should not be used if you are on treatment with Ursocol Tablets.
• Concomitant use of cholesterol-lowering medicines like cholestyramine or colestipol and some antacids may reduce the efficacy of Ursocol. So, it should be taken between the gap of 2 hours at least.
• Other medicines that may affect this tablet's absorption are charcoal and antibiotics like Ciprofloxacin, immunosuppressants like Ciclosporin, cholesterol-lowering medicines like Atorvastatin and Dapsone used as an anti-infective. Hence, it should not be used concomitantly.

Interactions with food items

Your doctor may preferably ask you to take Ursocol Tablet after meals.

Storage and disposal

• Store Ursocol Tablets in a cool and dry place, protected from direct sunlight, moisture and heat.
• Keep it away from children and pets.
• Discard any unused and expired medicine properly. Do not flush in the toilet or throw it into the drain.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can Ursocol reduce raised liver enzymes?

No, it does not have an action against reducing increased liver enzymes.

Does high blood cholesterol level cause gallbladder stones?

High blood cholesterol levels can cause supersaturation of cholesterol crystals, which may eventually lead to gallstone formation.

What is Ursocol Tablet used for?

• Ursocol Tablet is used to dissolve gallbladder stones that are made of cholesterol in various liver-related disorders such as cirrhosis and sclerosing cholangitis.
• It is also used in liver dysfunction associated with cystic fibrosis (a hereditary disease that affects the lungs and digestive system).