Ursodiol (Oral Route)

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Proper Use

Take ursodiol with meals for best results, unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

Take ursodiol for the full time of treatment, even if you begin to feel better. If you stop taking this medicine too soon, the gallstones may not dissolve as fast or may not dissolve at all.

It is thought that body weight and the kind of diet the patient follows may affect how fast the stones dissolve and whether new stones will form. However, check with your doctor before going on any diet.

Ursodiol forte tablet can be broken in halves to provide recommended dosage. To break the tablet easily, place the tablet on a flat surface with the scored section on top. Hold the tablet with your thumbs placed close to the groove then apply gentle pressure until it breaks apart. Swallow each segment with water. Do not chew .

Half-tablets can be used for up to 28 days when kept in the medicine bottle. Due to the bitter taste, segments should be stored separately .

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

• For oral dosage form (capsules or tablets):
  • For gallstone disease:
    • Adults and children 12 years of age and older—The dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The usual dose is 8 to 10 milligrams (mg) per kilogram (kg) (3.6 to 4.5 mg per pound) of body weight a day, divided into two or three doses. Each dose is usually taken with a meal.
    • Children up to 12 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
  • For prevention of gallstones during rapid weight loss:
    • Adults—Oral, 300 mg two times a day.
    • Children up to 12 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
  • For cirrhosis of the liver:
    • Adults—The dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The usual dose is 13 to 15 milligrams (mg) per kilogram (kg) (5.85 to 6.75 mg per pound) of body weight a day, divided into two to four doses. Each dose should be taken with a meal.
    • Children up to 12 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed Dose

Call your doctor or pharmacist for instructions.

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible or double your next dose.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.

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