What is Ursodiol: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

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Ursodiol 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 Ursodiol used for?

Urso 250 is used to treat primary biliary cirrhosis and prevent gallstones from forming in your gallbladder. It may also be used to treat other conditions as prescribed by your doctor. Urso 250 is a bile acid that dissolves certain types of gallstones. It is indicated for use by adults and is available as a tablet.

What form(s) does Ursodiol come in

  • Capsule

  • Tablet

What are common Ursodiol doses?

  • Tablet 250MG

  • Tablet 500MG

  • Capsule 300MG

  • Jar 1GM of

  • Bottle 25GM of

  • Bottle 100GM of

  • Bottle 500GM of

Common Ursodiol prescriptions

  • Ursodiol
    200mg capsule

  • Ursodiol
    300mg capsule

  • Ursodiol
    400mg capsule

  • Ursodiol
    250mg tablet

  • Ursodiol
    500mg tablet

How to take Ursodiol

  • 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 Ursodiol

  • 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.

Ursodiol 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.

Ursodiol 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

Ursodiol 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.

Ursodiol 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

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