Dosage

Ursodeoxycholic acid is indicated for the treatment of cholesterol-containing gallstones in adults. However, in rare cases it may also be prescribed for children as young as 6 years of age. However, the dosage must be adjusted to the child’s body weight.

Approximately a daily dose of 10 mg per kilogram of body weight is recommended to dissolve cholesterol gallstones. If the child’s weight is between 60 and 80 kilograms, taking 250mg tablets three times a day is therefore indicated. For the treatment of cirrhosis of the liver as a result of bile stasis, the dosage is also adapted to body weight.

The exact therapy plan is to be discussed with the treating physician and comprises approximately 4 to 5 film-coated tablets per day. During treatment with ursodeoxycholic acid, the liver enzyme values in the blood and the gallbladder should be regularly monitored by ultrasound. If there is no improvement in the symptoms or clinical picture after one year, discontinuation of the therapy should be considered.

Price

In Germany the most frequently represented preparations of ursodeoxycholic acid on the market are Ursofalk and UDH. Both (film) tablets and capsules are available. They are available only on prescription in pharmacies.

Ursodeoxycholic acid is usually available in a 250mg as well as in a 500mg dosage. Different pack sizes (50 and 100 tablets per pack) are also available. A pack of 50 tablets with 250mg ursodeoxycholic acid is available for about 25 Euro. A 100 pack costs about 40 Euro instead.

Ursodeoxycholic acid and alcohol – is it compatible?

No direct interaction between ursodeoxycholic acid and alcohol is known. Furthermore, alcohol has only a minor influence on the formation of gallstones. Above all, overweight and a high-fat diet represent a risk factor for the development of gallstones.

Nevertheless, interactions between alcohol and ursodeoxycholic acid can occur within the liver, since both substances are metabolized in the liver. At the same time, high alcohol consumption is a risk factor for the development of liver cirrhosis, which is why therapy with ursodeoxycholic acid as part of liver cirrhosis is counteracted by bile reflux. For this reason, alcohol consumption should be minimized or interrupted during treatment with ursodeoxycholic acid.