Ursodiol

Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) for hepatic disease and cholestatic liver disease in dogs, cats, and horses; hepatoprotective and choleretic. Bile acid hepatoprotectant (ursodeoxycholic acid / UDCA). Mechanism: replaces hepatotoxic hydrophobic bile acids in the bile acid pool with hydrophilic UDCA → reduced hepatocyte membrane toxicity; also has immunomodulatory, anti-apoptotic (anti-Bax), and cytoprotective effects; stimulates bile flow (choleresis). Enterohepatic circulation; oral administration. Key information Hepatoprotective bile acid. Administer with food. Long-term therapy. Monitor liver enzymes. Store at room temperature.

Oral capsules or tablets: Administer orally. May be given with food to improve compliance and reduce GI upset. Administer with food to reduce GI adverse effects. Administer at consistent times. Tablets may be crushed and mixed into food. Separate from cholestyramine, antacids, and colestipol by 2 hrs. Store at room temperature; protect from light. If a dose is missed Administer as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and resume the normal schedule. Never double up doses to make up for a missed one. Administer with food.

GI: diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal cramps (uncommon). Generally very well tolerated. Hepatotoxicity (rare — monitor liver enzymes in patients with non-biliary cholestasis, as drug can worsen obstruction). Drug interactions: bile acid sequestrants (cholestyramine) reduce absorption.

For animals Monitor liver enzymes with prolonged use. Drug interaction: ursodiol reduces absorption when used with cholestyramine, aluminum-containing antacids, or colestipol — separate by 2 hrs. Avoid in patients with complete biliary obstruction. For people handling this medication Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling. Avoid contact with eyes; if contact occurs, flush with water for 15 minutes and seek medical attention. Keep out of reach of children. If accidental ingestion occurs, contact Poison Control (1-800-222-1222). Bile acid — generally safe to handle. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling. Keep out of reach of children.

Contact your veterinarian. Ursodiol overdose typically causes diarrhea. Systemic toxicity is low. Contact your veterinarian or a veterinary emergency clinic immediately if you believe your animal has received an overdose. Bring the medication label and note the approximate amount given.