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Actigall

Generic name: Ursodiol

Actigall (Ursodiol) is an oral gallstone solubilizing agent intended for dissolution of radiolucent gallstones. It also is used to treat primary biliary cirrhosis. This agent is a naturally occurring bile acid, found in small quantities in normal human bile, that suppresses hepatic synthesis, secretion of cholesterol, and the intestinal absorption of cholesterol.

Ursodiol decreases the amount of cholesterol in bile and bile stones by reducing the amount of cholesterol the liver produces. Ursodiol reduces the amount of cholesterol that is absorbed from food and increases the breakdown of cholesterol, especially cholesterol that has formed into stones in the gallbladder. Ursodiol also changes the make-up of the bile acid pool, creating an increase in bile flow in patients with primary biliary cirrhosis.

Actigall Dosage

• The recommended daily dosage is 8 to 10 milligrams per 2.2 pounds of body weight, divided into 2 or 3 doses.
• The usual dose in people losing weight rapidly is 300 milligrams twice a day.

Uses of Actigall

• Actigall is used to help dissolve certain kinds of gallstones. If you suffer from gallstones but do not want to undergo surgery to remove them, or if age, infirmity, or a poor reaction to anesthesia makes you a poor candidate for surgery, Actigall treatment may be a good alternative.
• Actigall is also used to prevent gallstones in people on rapid-weight-loss diets.
• Ursodiol is used to prevent and treat the formation of certain types of gallstones or for liver disease (biliary cirrhosis).

Side Effects of Actigall

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Actigall. Side effects may include:

• Abdominal pain, allergy, arthritis, back pain, bronchitis, chest pain, constipation, cough, diarrhea, dizziness, fatigue, flu-like symptoms, gas, hair loss, headache, high blood sugar, indigestion, insomnia, joint pain, menstrual pain, muscle and bone pain, nasal inflammation, nausea, sinus inflammation, skin rash, sore throat, stomach or intestinal disorder, stomach ulcer, upper respiratory tract infection, urinary tract infection, viral infection, vomiting.

Warnings and precautions before taking Actigall:

• Although Actigall is not known to cause liver damage, it is theoretically possible in some people. Your doctor may run blood tests for liver function before you start to take Actigall and again while you are taking it.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have other liver problems or pancreas inflammation.
• Your doctor will need to check your progress at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.     

Drug Interaction :- If Actigall or Urso are taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Actigall or Urso with the following:

• Aluminum-based antacid medications (Alu-Cap, Alu-Tab, Rolaids, others)
  
• Cholesterol-lowering medications, such as Atromid-S, Lopid, Mevacor, Questran, and Colestid
  
• Estrogens such as Premarin
  
• Oral contraceptives

Overdose

Although there have been no reports of overdose with Actigall, the most likely symptom of severe overdose would be diarrhea. Since any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences, you should seek medical attention immediately if you suspect an Actigall overdose.