ursodeoxycholic acid

Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), also known as ursodiol or 熊脱氧胆酸 in Chinese, is a naturally occurring secondary bile acid used primarily for the treatment of primary biliary cholangitis (PBC; formerly called primary biliary cirrhosis) and for the dissolution and prevention of cholesterol gallstones. It works by reducing the cholesterol saturation of bile and replacing more toxic hydrophobic bile acids in the bile pool. This leads to gradual dissolution of cholesterol-rich gallstones and reduces liver damage in cholestatic liver diseases. UDCA is also used off-label for other cholestatic conditions such as biliary atresia and intrahepatic cholestasis[1][2][3][4][5].

Brand names

ActigallUrsoUrso 250Urso250Urso-250Urso ForteReltone

Other names

ursodiol(3alpha,5beta,7beta)-3,7-dihydroxycholan-24-oic acid3alpha,7beta-Dihydroxy-5beta-cholan-24-oic acid