Uliv 150 mg

Description

Indications

Uliv is indicated for the treatment of the following conditions:

• Cholestasis (Jaundice)
• Viral Hepatitis
• Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
• Primary Biliary Cirrhosis (PBC)
• Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC)
• Dissolution of Gallstones
• Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH)

Use only under the guidance of a registered medical professional.

Description

Uliv works by reducing the cholesterol saturation in bile, which helps in the gradual dissolution of cholesterol gallstones. This action lowers the cholesterol content in bile and promotes the secretion of bile acids without reducing phospholipid levels. As a result, cholesterol gallstones can slowly dissolve.

Pharmacology

Uliv contains Ursodeoxycholic Acid, a naturally occurring bile acid used to treat various hepatobiliary disorders. Its therapeutic effect is achieved through the following mechanisms:

• Decreases the secretion of cholesterol into bile
• Reduces cholesterol absorption from the intestines
• Suppresses liver cholesterol synthesis
• Does not inhibit bile acid synthesis

By altering the composition of bile, Ursodeoxycholic Acid changes it from a supersaturated to an unsaturated state. Additionally, it helps form liquid cholesterol crystal complexes, which aid in the removal of cholesterol from the gallbladder into the intestines for excretion.

Ursodeoxycholic Acid also provides benefits in treating cholestatic liver diseases, such as:

• Protecting cholangiocytes from the cytotoxic effects of hydrophobic bile acids
• Stimulating hepatobiliary secretion
• Protecting hepatocytes from bile acid-induced apoptosis

Ursodeoxycholic Acid is completely absorbed in the upper intestine, with peak serum concentrations occurring between 30 and 150 minutes. The absorption rate is between 60-80%. After absorption, it enters the portal vein and is extracted by the liver, where it is conjugated with either glycine or taurine before being secreted into the bile ducts. Small amounts of Ursodeoxycholic Acid may appear in the circulation, with only trace amounts excreted in the urine. The biologic half-life of Ursodeoxycholic Acid ranges from 3.5 to 5.8 days.

Dosage & Administration

• Dissolution of Gallstones: 8-12 mg/kg/day, either as a single night dose or in divided doses.
• Primary Biliary Cirrhosis: 10-15 mg/kg/day in 2-4 divided doses.
• Acute Viral Hepatitis: 600 mg/day.
• Alcoholic Fatty Liver: 300 mg/day.
• Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis: 25-30 mg/kg/day.
• Dissolution of Gallstones and Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis: 13-15 mg/kg/day.

Use only under the guidance of a registered medical professional.

Interaction

Uliv should not be combined with drugs such as estrogenic hormones, which can increase bile cholesterol. Concurrent use with bile-acid binding agents like antacids, charcoal, and cholestyramine should be avoided, as they may reduce the effectiveness of Uliv.

Contraindications

• Non-functioning gallbladder
• Calcified and pigmented gallstones
• Inflammatory bowel disease

Side Effects

Common side effects may include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Gallstone opacification
• Pruritus (itching)

Pregnancy & Lactation

Uliv is classified as Pregnancy Category B. No harm has been reported in pregnancy, and it has been effectively used in the treatment of cholestasis during the last trimester without side effects. There is no documented evidence of any issues with breastfeeding.

Precautions & Warnings

Uliv should be used with caution in individuals with liver disease.

Therapeutic Class

Anti-gallstone drugs: Bile Acids

Storage Conditions

Store at temperatures below 25°C, protected from light and moisture. Keep out of the reach of children.