ursodeoxycholate

Ursodeoxycholate is the salt form of **ursodeoxycholic acid**, an orally administered **small molecule bile acid** used in cholestatic hepatobiliary disorders and cholesterol gallstone disease. It has long been marketed as ursodiol products such as Actigall, Urso 250, and Urso Forte, with original US development and filing associated with Allergan. Pharmacologically, ursodeoxycholate replaces more hydrophobic and hepatotoxic endogenous bile acids, decreases intestinal cholesterol absorption and biliary cholesterol saturation, promotes dissolution of cholesterol gallstones, and exerts cytoprotective, choleretic, and immunomodulatory effects in cholestatic liver disease. It has also been described as interacting with bile acid signaling pathways, including agonist activity at the G-protein coupled bile acid receptor 5 and antagonistic effects at the farnesoid X receptor.

Brand names

ActigallUrso 250Urso250Urso-250Urso Forte

Other names

ursodeoxycholic acidursodiolUDCA