Ursodesoxycholic acid
Synonym(s)
UDCA; Urso
DefinitionThis section has been translated automatically.
Ursodesoxycholic acid is a water-soluble, non-toxic, natural bile acid that is formed especially in polar bears (ursus = lat. the bear). It is used as a well-tolerated drug for dissolving small gallstones and for the treatment of a number of liver diseases. Ursodesoxycholic acid is subject to an enterohepatic cycle, i.e. it is excreted through the liver into the bile and reabsorbed through the small intestine.
Half-lifeThis section has been translated automatically.
The biological half-life is about 3-6 days.
Field of application/useThis section has been translated automatically.
- In dermatology it is successfully used for the treatment of pruritus gravidarum ( off-label use).
- Other indications include the therapy of gallstones, biliary reflux gastritis and the symptomatic treatment of primary biliary cirrhosis. Furthermore:
non-obstructive cholestatic diseases, especially PBC and PSC
Drug-induced liver damage
Hepatitides
Studies suggest that altering the bile composition with UDCA also leads to a reduction in the rate of colon cancer in patients with ulcerative colitis.
Pregnancy/nursing periodThis section has been translated automatically.
- Taking it in the first trimester of pregnancy is not indicated because there is not enough experience.
- During the lactation period, intake is not recommended due to lack of data.
- Off-label use in the therapy of pruritus gravidarum.
Dosage and method of useThis section has been translated automatically.
Treatment of Pruritus gravidarum: 15 mg/kg bw/day p.o.
Undesirable effectsThis section has been translated automatically.
Apart from mild diarrhoea, no undesirable effects are known in the treatment of Pruritus gravidarum.
InteractionsThis section has been translated automatically.
- Decreased enteral resorption of the ursodeoxycholic acid when taken simultaneously with colestyramine, colestipol or aluminium hydroxide and/or alumina-containing antacids.
- Increased absorption of ciclosporin by ursodeoxycholic acid.
- Decreased absorption of ciprofloxacin by ursodeoxycholic acid.
- Decreased plasma peak concentration of the calcium antagonist nitrendipine.
- Induction of cytochrome P450 enzymes by ursodeoxycholic acid possible.
PreparationsThis section has been translated automatically.
Ursochol, Lithofalk
LiteratureThis section has been translated automatically.
- Leuschner U et al (2005) Ursodeoxycholic acid in the therapy for primary biliary cirrhosis: effects on progression and prognosis. Z Gastroenterol 43: 1051-1059