Urso 150 mg

Description

Indications
Urso 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)
• Gallstone Dissolution and Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH)

Note: Always use this medication as prescribed by a registered healthcare professional.

Description
Urso works by reducing the cholesterol saturation of bile, which helps to dissolve cholesterol-based gallstones. By lowering the cholesterol concentration in bile, Urso aids in the gradual dissolution of these gallstones. Additionally, Urso increases bile acid secretion without reducing phospholipid levels, thereby promoting a healthier bile composition.

Pharmacology
The active ingredient in Urso is Ursodeoxycholic Acid, a naturally occurring bile acid used to treat various hepatobiliary disorders. Ursodeoxycholic Acid works by decreasing cholesterol secretion into bile through several mechanisms:

• It reduces the absorption of cholesterol in the intestine.
• It suppresses cholesterol synthesis in the liver.
• It does not interfere with bile acid synthesis.

By altering the composition of bile from being supersaturated to unsaturated, Ursodeoxycholic Acid helps in the formation of liquid cholesterol crystal complexes. These complexes facilitate the removal of cholesterol from the gallbladder, which is then expelled through the intestine. Ursodeoxycholic Acid also provides the following benefits in treating cholestatic liver diseases:

• Protects cholangiocytes from the cytotoxic effects of hydrophobic bile acids.
• Stimulates hepatobiliary secretion.
• Protects hepatocytes from bile acid-induced apoptosis.

Ursodeoxycholic Acid is well absorbed in the upper intestine, with absorption rates ranging from 60% to 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 hepatic bile ducts. Only small amounts of Ursodeoxycholic Acid appear in the bloodstream, and very little is excreted in the urine. The biologic half-life of Ursodeoxycholic Acid ranges from 3.5 to 5.8 days.

Dosage & Administration

• For Gallstone Dissolution: 8-12 mg/kg/day, either as a single nighttime dose or in divided doses.
• For Primary Biliary Cirrhosis (PBC): 10-15 mg/kg/day, divided into 2-4 doses.
• For Acute Viral Hepatitis: 600 mg/day.
• For Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: 300 mg/day.
• For Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC): 25-30 mg/kg/day.
• For Gallstone Dissolution and Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH): 13-15 mg/kg/day.

Note: Always consult a registered healthcare professional before using this medication.

Drug Interactions
Urso should not be used in combination with drugs such as estrogenic hormones, which may increase bile cholesterol. The use of bile-acid binding drugs, including antacids, charcoal, and cholestyramine, should be avoided as these may reduce the effectiveness of Urso therapy.

Contraindications
Urso should not be used in individuals with:

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

Side Effects
Common side effects of Urso include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Gallstone opacification (visible gallstones on imaging)
• Itching (pruritus)

Pregnancy & Lactation
Urso is classified as a Pregnancy Category B medication, meaning that no evidence of harm has been reported during pregnancy. It has been used effectively for the treatment of cholestasis during the last trimester of pregnancy without any adverse effects. There is no documented evidence of issues related to breastfeeding while using Urso.

Precautions & Warnings
Urso should be used with caution in individuals with liver disease.

Therapeutic Class
Anti-gallstone medications: Bile Acids

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