Ursodiol (Systemic).

 
In the U.S. -- 
     Actigall 
     URSO 250 
 
In Canada -- 
     URSO 
     Ursofalk 

Other commonly used names are ursodeoxycholic acid and UDCA.

 
     Anticholelithic 
Description 

Ursodiol (ur-so-DYE-ole) is used in the treatment of gallstone disease. It is taken by mouth to dissolve the gallstones.

Ursodiol is used in patients with gallstones who do not need to have their gallbladders removed or in those in whom surgery should be avoided because of other medical problems. However, ursodiol works only in those patients whose gallstones are made of cholesterol and works best when these stones are small and of the "floating" type.

Ursodiol is also used to help prevent gallstones in patients who are on rapid weight-loss programs.

Ursodiol is also used in patients with cirrhosis of the liver. Cirrhosis causes a patient's liver to have problems and not work properly.

Ursodiol is available only with your doctor's prescription, in the following dosage form:

 
Oral 
 
     Capsules (U.S. and Canada) 
 
     Tablets (U.S. and Canada) 
Before Using This Medicine 

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For ursodiol, the following should be considered:

 
Allergies -- 

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to ursodiol or other products containing …