Ursolin Indications/Uses

Gallstone Dissolution: Ursodiol capsules are used for dissolution of gallstones in patients with radiolucent, noncalcified gallbladder stones <20 mm in greatest diameter who are not candidates for cholecystectomy because of systemic disease, advanced age, idiosyncratic reaction to general anesthesia, or refusal of surgery; considered pharmacologic treatment of choice in these patients.
Dissolution of gallstones usually requires several months of ursodiol therapy. Complete dissolution of gallstones does not occur in all patients, and recurrence, which may occur within 5 years, is reported in up to 50% of patients who have achieved dissolution of the stones with the drug. Monitor for recurrence of stones.
Successful dissolution of gallstones with ursodiol occurs rarely in patients with calcified gallstones prior to treatment, those who develop stone calcification or gallbladder nonvisualization during treatment, and those with gallstones >20 mm in greatest diameter.
Successful dissolution is more likely in patients with floating or floatable stones (i.e., those with high cholesterol content) and dissolution is inversely related to stone size for stones <20 mm in greatest diameter.
Gallbladder nonvisualization prior to treatment is not a contraindication to ursodiol therapy; however, discontinue treatment in patients who develop gallbladder nonvisualization during therapy since this is predictive of failure for complete dissolution.
Prevention of Gallstones: Ursodiol capsules are used for prevention of gallstone formation in obese patients undergoing rapid weight loss.
Primary Biliary Cirrhosis.