Ursodeoxycholic Acid: Uses, Side Effects & Brands in Pakistan

Ursodeoxycholic Acid is a bile acid medicine. It is a prescription medicine used for gallstones, primary biliary cholangitis and some other liver diseases. In Pakistan it is available as capsules and syrup. On this page you can read how it works, its common side effects and precautions, and compare the brands and prices available at Medimart.

How Ursodeoxycholic Acid works

Ursodeoxycholic acid is a naturally occurring bile acid. It reduces the amount of cholesterol the liver releases into bile, so that cholesterol gallstones can slowly dissolve. In liver disease it replaces more harmful bile acids, improves bile flow and helps protect liver cells from damage.

What is Ursodeoxycholic Acid used for?

• Gallstones
• Primary biliary cholangitis
• Some other liver diseases

Ursodeoxycholic Acid is used to dissolve small cholesterol gallstones in people whose gallbladder still works and who are not having surgery. It is also an important treatment for primary biliary cholangitis, a long-term liver condition, and doctors use it for some other conditions where bile flow is reduced. Treatment for gallstones can take many months, with scans to check progress.

Side effects of Ursodeoxycholic Acid

Ursodeoxycholic Acid is usually well tolerated. Possible side effects include:

• Loose stools or diarrhoea
• Stomach discomfort
• Nausea
• Itching
• Indigestion

Get medical help quickly for severe pain in the upper right side of the abdomen, a high temperature, or yellowing of the skin or eyes.

Precautions and warnings

• It only dissolves certain gallstones, so it is not suitable if the stones contain calcium or if your gallbladder is inflamed or not working.
• Antacids containing aluminium, and cholesterol medicines such as colestyramine, can reduce its absorption, so keep a gap between them.
• Tell your doctor if you take ciclosporin or hormone-containing medicines, including oestrogen contraceptives, as these can affect treatment.
• Your doctor will arrange regular liver blood tests, and scans if it is being used for gallstones.
• If you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy or breastfeeding, speak to your doctor before taking Ursodeoxycholic Acid.

Frequently asked questions about Ursodeoxycholic Acid

What is the price of Ursodeoxycholic Acid in Pakistan?

At Medimart, Ursodeoxycholic Acid products currently in stock range from Rs 1,024 to Rs 2,038 per pack, depending on the brand, strength and pack size. The lowest-priced option right now is Urso 250mg Capsules at Rs 1,024. Prices are updated regularly, so the product list on this page always shows the latest price.

Which brands of Ursodeoxycholic Acid are available in Pakistan?

Ursodeoxycholic Acid is sold in Pakistan under brand names such as Urso (Ali Gohar Pharmaceuticals Ltd).

Do I need a prescription for Ursodeoxycholic Acid?

Yes. Ursodeoxycholic Acid is a prescription medicine in Pakistan. Use it only when a doctor has prescribed it, at the dose and for the time they advise.

Can Ursodeoxycholic Acid be used during pregnancy?

If you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy or breastfeeding, speak to your doctor before taking Ursodeoxycholic Acid.

Are all Ursodeoxycholic Acid brands the same?

Brands that contain the same amount of Ursodeoxycholic Acid in the same form are expected to work in the same way, although inactive ingredients, pack sizes and prices differ. Ask your doctor or pharmacist before switching from one brand to another.

Ursodeoxycholic Acid brands and prices in Pakistan

Medimart lists 3 products containing Ursodeoxycholic Acid from different manufacturers. Compare strengths, pack sizes and prices below and order online with cash on delivery.

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