Ursodiol
Also known as: Actigall, URSO 250, URSO Forte
* **Give with food:** Ursodiol dissolves more rapidly in the presence of bile or pancreatic juice, so it is best administered with a meal. * **Patience is key:** Liver disease management is often a long-term process. Do not stop the medication without consulting your veterinarian. * **Monitor for side effects:** While generally very safe, watch for signs of diarrhea or gastrointestinal upset and report them to your veterinarian.
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
What it is used for
- Cholestatic liver disease, cholangitis/cholangiohepatitis, chronic hepatitis, and copper-associated hepatopathy
- Chronic active hepatitis, fibrosis, and cirrhosis
- Adjunctive treatment of chronic hepatitis
- Adjunctive treatment of liver disease
- Adjunctive treatment of chronic hepatitis
- Cholestatic liver disease, cholangitis/cholangiohepatitis, chronic hepatitis, and copper-associated hepatopathy
- Chronic active hepatitis, fibrosis and cirrhosis
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Diarrhea
- Gastrointestinal upset (rare)
Cautions & contraindications
- Rabbits and other hindgut fermenters (converted to toxic lithocholic acid)
- Biliary obstruction
- Biliary fistulas
- Cholecystitis
- Pancreatitis
- Cholangitis (if complete obstruction is present)
- Ursodiol is strictly contraindicated in rabbits and hindgut fermenters. Use with caution in patients with complications associated with gallstones (e.g., biliary obstruction, cholecystitis). While useful for chronic liver disease, some patients may experience further impairment of bile acid metabolism. It will not dissolve calcified radiopaque stones or radiolucent bile pigment stones.
Drug interactions
- Aluminum-containing antacids: May bind to ursodiol, thereby reducing its efficacy
- Cholestyramine resin: May bind to ursodiol, thereby reducing its efficacy
- Taurine: Theoretical concern that chronic administration in cats may lead to taurine deficiency
Frequently asked questions
What is Ursodiol used for in pets?
* **Give with food:** Ursodiol dissolves more rapidly in the presence of bile or pancreatic juice, so it is best administered with a meal. * **Patience is key:** Liver disease management is often a long-term process. Do not stop the medication without consulting your veterinarian. * **Monitor for side effects:** While generally very safe, watch for signs of diarrhea or gastrointestinal upset and report them to your veterinarian.
Is Ursodiol safe for my pet?
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell, please consult a veterinarian.
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