Uliv 300 mg

Description

Indications Uliv is prescribed for the treatment of the following conditions:

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

Use this medication as per the guidance of a registered physician.

Description Uliv is utilized to decrease the cholesterol saturation of bile, aiding in the gradual dissolution of gallstones. By reducing the cholesterol levels in bile, Uliv facilitates the breakdown of cholesterol gallstones over time. This treatment increases bile acid secretion while maintaining phospholipid levels.

Pharmacology Ursodeoxycholic Acid, the active ingredient in Uliv, is a naturally occurring bile acid used for managing hepatobiliary disorders. It functions by reducing cholesterol secretion in bile through multiple mechanisms, including inhibiting cholesterol absorption, suppressing cholesterol synthesis in the liver, and maintaining bile acid synthesis.

By modifying bile composition from supersaturated to unsaturated, Ursodeoxycholic Acid enhances the removal of cholesterol from the gallbladder into the intestine for excretion. Additionally, it offers benefits for cholestatic liver diseases by:

• Shielding cholangiocytes from the harmful effects of hydrophobic bile acids
• Stimulating hepatobiliary secretion
• Protecting liver cells from bile acid-induced apoptosis

Ursodeoxycholic Acid is well absorbed in the upper intestine, with peak serum concentration occurring between 30 to 150 minutes. The absorption rate ranges between 60-80%. Upon absorption, it enters the portal circulation, where the liver extracts and conjugates it with either glycine or taurine before secretion into the bile ducts. Minimal amounts enter systemic circulation, and only trace amounts are excreted in urine. The biological half-life ranges from 3.5 to 5.8 days.

Dosage & Administration

• Dissolution of Gallstones: 8-12 mg/kg/day, taken as a single nighttime dose or 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 this medication as per the guidance of a registered physician.

Drug Interactions Uliv should not be used in conjunction with medications such as estrogenic hormones, as they can increase bile cholesterol levels. Additionally, bile-acid binding agents, including antacids, charcoal, and cholestyramine, should be avoided, as they can reduce the efficacy of Uliv.

Contraindications This medication is not suitable for individuals with:

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

Side Effects Commonly reported side effects include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Gallstone calcification
• Itching (pruritus)

Pregnancy & Lactation Uliv falls under Pregnancy Category B, meaning no harmful effects have been reported during pregnancy. It has been safely used in treating cholestasis during pregnancy in the third trimester without adverse effects. There is no documented risk associated with breastfeeding.

Precautions & Warnings Caution is advised when using this medication in patients with liver disease.

Therapeutic Class Bile Acid Agents (Anti-Gallstone Drugs)

Storage Conditions Store below 25°C, away from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.