What is Actigall: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

What is Actigall: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated May 14, 2025 • Published Dec 30, 2020

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Actigall overview

BRAND NAMES:

URSO Forte, Actigall, Urso 250, Ursodiol AvPak, URSO Forte

Generic Names:

Ursodiol

Uses:

Dissolves gallstones when they cannot be removed by surgery. Also treats primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC), a liver disorder.

Therapeutic Classes:

Gastrointestinal Agent

Forms:

Capsule, Tablet

How it’s taken:

By mouth

What is Actigall used for?

What form(s) does Actigall come in

Capsule
Tablet

What are common Actigall doses?

Capsule 300MG

Common Actigall prescriptions

Actigall
300mg capsule

How to take Actigall

Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
Oral routeIt is best to take this medicine with food or milk.
Urso Forte® tablet can be broken in half, if needed. Place the tablet on a flat surface with the score (groove) on top. Hold the tablet with your thumbs close to the groove then apply gentle pressure until the tablet breaks apart. Swallow the half tablet with water. Do not chew.
Gallstone treatment: Keep using the medicine for your full treatment time. It may take several months for the medicine to dissolve gallstones.
Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
Oral routeIt is best to take this medicine with food or milk.
Urso Forte® tablet can be broken in half, if needed. Place the tablet on a flat surface with the score (groove) on top. Hold the tablet with your thumbs close to the groove then apply gentle pressure until the tablet breaks apart. Swallow the half tablet with water. Do not chew.
Gallstone treatment: Keep using the medicine for your full treatment time. It may take several months for the medicine to dissolve gallstones.

What to do if you miss a dose of Actigall

Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
Oral routeAsk your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Actigall contraindications

Do not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to ursodiol or other bile acids. Do not use this medicine if you have biliary tract blockage, such as a blocked bile duct.

Actigall warnings

Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have other liver problems or pancreas problems.
This medicine should not be used to treat bleeding varices, hepatic encephalopathy, or ascites.
Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
Severe nausea and vomiting
Severe stomach pain especially on the right upper side
Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet
Unusual bleeding or bruising

Actigall interactions

Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using an antacid that contains aluminum (ALternaGEL®, Gaviscon®, Maalox®, Mylanta®), medicine to lower cholesterol (such as cholestyramine, clofibrate, colestipol, Atromid-S®, Colestid®, Questran®), estrogen, or birth control pills.
This medicine should not be used to treat bleeding varices, hepatic encephalopathy, or ascites.
Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

Actigall side effects

Serious Side Effects

Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Chest pain
Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, and body aches
Severe nausea and vomiting
Severe stomach pain especially on the right upper side
Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet
Unusual bleeding or bruising

Less Serious Side Effects

Indigestion or bitter taste in your mouth
Diarrhea, constipation, loss of appetite, upset stomach, or gas
Itching, dry skin, rash, or hair thinning
Weakness
Headache