Urso Capsule 500mg

About Urso Capsule 500mg

Urso Capsule 500mg Uses

• Dissolves radiolucent cholesterol gallstones in patients unfit for surgery
• Manages primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC)
• Treats bile reflux gastritis
• Supports liver function in chronic cholestatic liver disease
• Used off label in some fatty liver disease cases

Urso Capsule 500mg Benefits

• Reduces cholesterol saturation of bile, helping dissolve small gallstones
• Slows progression of liver damage in cholestatic conditions
• Improves liver enzyme levels over time in PBC patients
• Non surgical option for patients who cannot undergo gallbladder surgery
• Generally well tolerated for long term use

What Experts Say

Ursodeoxycholic acid works by altering the composition of bile, reducing cholesterol secretion and increasing the proportion of bile acids that are less toxic to liver cells. This shift lowers cholesterol saturation index, which is the mechanism behind gallstone dissolution in appropriately selected patients.

Physicians recommend baseline liver function tests before starting therapy and periodic monitoring during treatment, since dosing is often calculated on a weight basis of 8 to 12 mg per kg per day. Treatment courses for gallstone dissolution can extend to several months, and imaging is used to confirm stone resolution before stopping therapy.

Pakistan carries a considerable burden of gallstone disease linked to dietary patterns and obesity, and doctors across Pakistan often favor ursodeoxycholic acid in patients who are poor surgical candidates or who decline cholecystectomy. In primary biliary cirrhosis, sustained use is associated with improved biochemical response and is considered a first-line disease modifying option.

Drug Class

• Bile acid (hydrophilic bile acid)
• Gallstone dissolution agent
• Hepatoprotective agent

Urso Capsule 500mg formula

• Ursodeoxycholic Acid 500mg

Available forms

• Capsule

How to use Urso Capsule 500mg?

• Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor, usually with food
• Typical adult dose ranges from 8 to 12 mg per kg body weight per day
• Dose is often split into two or three portions across the day
• Swallow the capsule whole with a full glass of water
• Do not crush or chew the capsule
• Continue treatment for the full duration advised, even if symptoms improve early
• Attend follow up scans or blood tests as scheduled by your physician

Drug Interactions

• Cholestyramine and antacids containing aluminum: Reduce absorption of ursodeoxycholic acid if taken together.
• Oral contraceptives and estrogen therapy: May counteract the cholesterol lowering bile effect.
• Ciprofloxacin: Ursodeoxycholic acid can reduce its absorption.
• Cyclosporine: Ursodeoxycholic acid may increase cyclosporine blood levels, requiring monitoring.
• Statins: May have altered lipid lowering effects when combined.

Risks and warnings

• Liver monitoring: Liver function tests are usually checked periodically during long term therapy.
• Pregnancy: Use only if clearly needed and under direct medical supervision.
• Breastfeeding: Discuss with your doctor before use while nursing.
• Calcified gallstones: Not effective for calcified or radiopaque stones; imaging confirmation is needed first.
• Biliary obstruction: Should not be used if bile ducts are blocked.
• Severe liver disease: Requires caution and specialist input in decompensated liver disease.
• Gallbladder function: Poor gallbladder contraction may reduce treatment effectiveness.
• Drug allergy: Avoid if there is known hypersensitivity to ursodeoxycholic acid.

Urso Capsule 500mg Side Effects

• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Stomach pain or discomfort
• Constipation
• Vomiting
• Indigestion
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Skin rash or itching
• Hair thinning (rare)
• Metallic taste in mouth
• Elevated liver enzymes in rare cases

Storage Conditions

• Store below 30°C in a cool, dry place
• Keep the blister strip in its original box away from direct sunlight
• Protect from moisture and humidity
• Keep out of reach of children
• Do not use after the expiry date printed on the pack