URSODIOL SUMMARY
Ursodiol is a bile acid available as 300-mg capsules suitable for oral administration. Ursodiol USP (ursodeoxycholic acid) is a naturally occurring bile acid found in small quantities in normal human bile and in the biles of certain other mammals. It is a bitter-tasting, white powder freely soluble in ethanol, methanol, and glacial acetic acid; sparingly soluble in chloroform; slightly soluble in ether; and insoluble in water.
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Ursodiol is indicated for patients with radiolucent, noncalcified gallbladder stones < 20 mm in greatest diameter in whom elective cholecystectomy would be undertaken except for the presence of increased surgical risk due to systemic disease, advanced age, idiosyncratic reaction to general anesthesia, or for those patients who refuse surgery. Safety of use of ursodiol beyond 24 months is not established.
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Ursodiol is indicated for the prevention of gallstone formation in obese patients experiencing rapid weight loss.
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