Side effects of Ursosan often occur in patients who neglect medical recommendations. Also, disruption of the gastrointestinal tract or exacerbation of chronic diseases is diagnosed in adherents of self-medication who take pharmacological drugs on the advice of neighbors or pharmacists in pharmacies. Ursosan is a drug with a fairly wide therapeutic range, but it has many serious contraindications. To avoid negative consequences while taking it, you should undergo a full examination and not exceed the dosage recommended by the gastroenterologist.
Ursosan is used to treat various liver diseases in the absence of contraindications
Pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics
The composition determines the effect of this medicine. Its active component is ursodeoxycholic acid . Wikipedia and many other sites call this drug exactly that. Ursodeoxycholic acid has high polar properties and creates non-toxic mixed micelles with toxic bile acids. This leads to a decrease in the ability of gastric reflux to damage cell membranes with the appearance of reflux esophagitis and biliary reflux gastritis . In addition, the drug Ursosan creates double molecules that enter the cell membranes of hepatocytes , gastrointestinal epithelial cells cholangiocytes . These molecules stabilize them and make them immune to the influence of cytotoxic micelles .
The active substance of the drug also reduces the content of bile acids, which are toxic to hepatocytes , and stimulates choleresis , saturated with bicarbonates. intrahepatic cholestasis disappears . Ursodeoxycholic acid reduces the lithogenic index of bile and cholesterol by preventing its absorption in the intestine, reducing secretion in bile, and inhibiting synthesis in the liver. cholesterol gallstones dissolve The product also prevents the appearance of new stones .
The drug acts as an immunomodulatory agent by inhibiting the expression of HLA-2 and HLA-1 and improving the normal killer activity of lymphocytes . In addition, it prevents the development of fibrosis in people with primary biliary cirrhosis , as well as alcoholic steatohepatitis and cystic fibrosis . Reduces the likelihood of varicose veins in the esophagus, slows down premature aging and cell death.
The active substance of the drug is absorbed from the small intestine by passive diffusion ( absorption is approximately 90%), and in the ileum by active transport. The maximum concentration is reached after approximately 60-180 minutes.
The degree of binding to plasma proteins is up to 99%. With chronic use, ursodeoxycholic acid becomes the main bile acid in the blood serum. The therapeutic effect of the drug depends on its content in bile.
The drug is broken down in the liver with the formation of metabolic such as glycine and taurine conjugate . They are secreted into bile. Approximately 60% of the total dosage is excreted in bile. Some of the active substance is also transported to the colon, where it is broken down by bacteria. Lithocholic acid is absorbed to a small extent from the colon, sulfated in the liver and excreted as sulfolithocholylglycine or sulfolitocholyltaurine conjugate .
pharmachologic effect
The therapeutic effect of Ursosan is based on the ability of ursodeoxycholic acid to restore damaged liver cells (hepatocytes). This compound is present in small quantities in the human body and is part of bile. Ursodeoxycholic acid has the ability to reduce the production of cholesterol, prevent the thickening of bile, and stimulate immune processes.
Hepatoprotective effect
Due to its polar properties, ursodeoxycholic acid absorbs toxic bile acids, forming large high-molecular conglomerates with them. This ability is used in the treatment of patients diagnosed with:
- reflux esophagitis;
- biliary gastritis with high acidity.
By neutralizing toxic bile acids, Ursosan prevents damage to the mucous membranes and deeper layers of the digestive tract. Ursodeoxycholic acid in the form of double molecules is introduced into membranes:
- liver cells;
- epithelial cells of the mucous membranes of the stomach and intestines;
- gallbladder cells.
This increases the strength of the structural units of the most important digestive organs, making them immune to the action of toxic compounds, regardless of their origin (exotoxins and endotoxins).
By reducing the amount of bile acids that destroy liver cells, Ursosan at the same time stimulates the production of useful biologically active substances. Thus, ursodeoxycholic acid restores the lost balance of bile acids, while simultaneously regenerating hepatocytes.
Despite its single-component composition, Ursosan has a number of contraindications
Reducing cholesterol levels
The active ingredient Ursosan has the unique ability to reduce the concentration of cholesterol produced by hepatocytes. Ursodeoxycholic acid:
- promotes the absorption of excess amounts of this organic compound by the walls of the gastrointestinal tract;
- limits its penetration into the gallbladder.
Moreover, taking Ursosan leads to a significant increase in cholesterol in the bile with the formation of liquid crystalline, easily soluble suspensions.
This property of the pharmacological drug is used by gastroenterologists in the treatment of patients in whom, during instrumental studies, soft stones were discovered in the gallbladder, preventing the normal outflow of bile and causing painful colic. Ursosan is indicated for use as a prophylactic agent for people who are predisposed to the formation of gallstones.
Increasing local immunity
Long-term use of ursodeoxycholic acid inhibits the process by which information encoded in genes is converted into structures present or active in the cell. The direct participants in the body's immune response to the penetration of foreign substances from the outside or those that are products of the breakdown of cells and tissues are gradually activated.
Ursosan prevents the proliferation of connective tissue with the appearance of scar changes in various organs, which usually occurs as a result of chronic inflammation. This allows the drug to be used in the treatment of liver or stomach diseases that occur against the background of degenerative changes in blood vessels and even a violation of their integrity. In the course of the studies, it was proven that with a course of taking Ursosan, the life expectancy of liver cells and their functional activity increase significantly.
Indications for use of Ursosan
On forums people often ask what pills can help with in this or that case. Experts do not recommend taking them without consulting a doctor. Only he can determine whether there are indications for the use of Ursosan. In addition, he selects the desired treatment regimen.
If you have been prescribed Ursosan tablets, the indications for use are usually as follows:
- uncomplicated cholelithiasis ;
- the need to prevent recurrent stone formation after cholecystectomy ;
- acute hepatitis ;
- alcohol disease and primary biliary cirrhosis ;
- biliary dyskinesia
- cystic fibrosis of the liver;
- biliary dyspeptic syndrome;
- toxic liver damage;
- chronic active hepatitis ;
- non-alcoholic steatohepatitis;
- atresia of the intrahepatic biliary tract;
- primary sclerosing cholangitis ;
- biliary reflux gastritis and reflux esophagitis ;
- the need to prevent liver damage when taking hormonal contraceptives and cytostatics .
Use during pregnancy and breastfeeding
The use of ursodeoxycholic acid during pregnancy is possible only when the expected benefit to the mother outweighs the potential risk to the fetus (there have been no adequate, strictly controlled studies of the use of ursodeoxycholic acid in pregnant women).
There are currently no data on the excretion of ursodeoxycholic acid in breast milk. If it is necessary to use ursodeoxycholic acid during lactation, the issue of stopping breastfeeding should be decided.
Contraindications
This drug should not be used in case of hypersensitivity to its components, non-functioning gallbladder, chronic hepatitis , pancreatitis , acute cholecystitis , liver cirrhosis (with decompensation) , acute cholangitis , acute infectious diseases of the gallbladder, diseases of the bile ducts, pregnancy , breastfeeding , bile -gastrointestinal fistula , gallstones with high Ca2+ content, inflammatory diseases of the small and large intestines, liver failure , renal failure , empyema of the gallbladder, obstruction of the biliary tract.
Side effects of Ursosan
Reviews of side effects appear infrequently. However, if any unwanted reactions occur, you should definitely consult a doctor.
The following side effects of Ursosan are known:
- vomit;
- exacerbation of psoriasis ;
- nausea;
- diarrhea;
- transient increase in the activity of liver transaminases ;
- constipation;
- painful sensations in the back;
- allergy;
- alopecia.
In rare cases, gallstones become calcified
special instructions
When using the drug to dissolve gallstones, the following conditions must be met: the stones must be cholesterol (X-ray negative), their size should not exceed 15-20 mm, the gallbladder must remain functional and must be no more than half filled with stones, the patency of the cystic and the common bile duct must be preserved.
With long-term (more than 1 month) use of the drug, a biochemical blood test should be performed every 4 weeks in the first 3 months of treatment, and every 3 months thereafter, to determine the activity of liver transaminases. Monitoring the effectiveness of treatment should be carried out every 6 months according to ultrasound of the biliary tract.
After complete dissolution of the stones, it is recommended to continue the use of Ursosan for at least 3 months in order to promote the dissolution of remnants of stones that are too small to be detected and to prevent recurrence of stone formation.
In experimental studies
no mutagenic or carcinogenic effects of ursodeoxycholic acid were detected in animals.
Instructions for use of Ursosan (Method and dosage)
For those who have been prescribed Ursosan tablets, the instructions for use indicate that they should be taken orally with liquid.
The medicine has different dosage regimens depending on the disease. For those who are interested in how to take Ursosan: before or after meals, it is also reported that this is individual, depending on the indications for use.
In the case of diffuse liver diseases and cholelithiasis , the course of treatment can last from several months to several years, the daily dosage is usually 10-15 mg per 1 kg of the patient’s body weight (2-5 capsules). For cholelithiasis, the daily dosage is taken once immediately before bedtime. Treatment is carried out until the stones dissolve, and then another 3 months to ensure that the stones do not form again. For diffuse liver diseases, the instructions for use of Ursosan indicate that the daily dosage should be divided into 2-3 doses. The product should be taken during meals.
After cholecystectomy and for the purpose of preventing recurrent cholelithiasis , 250 mg is usually prescribed 2 times a day. The course lasts several months.
For primary biliary cirrhosis, the medicine is taken in a dosage of 10-15 mg per 1 kg of patient body weight per day. If necessary, it can be increased to 20 mg per 1 kg. The dosage should be divided into 2-3 doses. The course of treatment lasts from 6 months to several years.
If the patient has non-alcoholic steatohepatitis , take 13-15 mg per 1 kg of the patient’s weight per day. The dosage should be divided into 2-3 doses. The course of treatment can last from 6 months to several years.
In the case of biliary reflux gastritis and reflux esophagitis, the medicine is taken 1 capsule (250 mg) per day immediately before bedtime. Therapy is carried out from 10 days to 6 months. If necessary, it can be extended up to 2 years.
For liver damage , biliary atresia alcoholic liver disease, the daily dosage is usually 10-15 mg per 1 kg of patient weight. The daily dosage should be divided into 2-3 doses. The course is designed for six months, a year or more.
If the patient has primary sclerosing cholangitis , the doctor usually prescribes 12-15 mg per 1 kg of the patient’s body weight per day. If necessary, the dosage can be increased to 20 mg per 1 kg of weight. The total daily dose is divided by the patient into 2-3 doses. The course of admission is from six months to several years.
For cystic fibrosis, the drug is taken in dosages of 20-30 mg per kg per day. The dose should be divided into 2-3 doses. The course lasts from six months to several years.
For children over 2 years old, the amount of the drug taken per day is determined individually by a specialist. Typically 10-20 mg per kg per day is prescribed.
In order to eliminate severe and dangerous jaundice, specialists in some cases prescribe this remedy to newborns. Therapy is designed for 2-4 weeks. Instructions for use of Ursosan for newborns indicate that the dosage for children of this age is a quarter of a capsule every day. The powder in it is poured onto a saucer. Then it is divided into four equal parts, one of which is given to the baby. It must first be dissolved in water or breast milk. If treatment is successful, the course can be reduced to 10 days. In this case, you need to monitor the level of bilirubin in the blood every week. On average, its level decreases by 50 units per week. Once the blood concentration reaches 100 mg/ml, the medicine can be discontinued.
Composition and dosage form
Manufacturers produce Ursosan in the form of hard, opaque gelatin capsules, each of which contains 0.25 g of ursodeoxycholic acid. Inside the capsule there is a compressed powder that easily crumbles with slight pressure.
Advice: “Depending on the course of treatment, you can purchase packages of 10, 50, 100 capsules in pharmacies. The last option is the most economical and suitable for long-term use.”
The following are used as auxiliary ingredients for the formation of capsules:
- gelatin;
- corn starch;
- colloidal silicon dioxide;
- magnesium salt of stearic acid;
- titanium dioxide.
These compounds provide the selective effect of the drug. The release of the main substance occurs directly in the small intestine, which allows you to achieve the maximum therapeutic effect.
Analogues of Ursosan
Level 4 ATC code matches:
Ursodex
Henofalk
Ursoliv
Ursofalk
Choludexan
Ursohol
Ursodez
Urdoxa
Livodex
The names of analogues of this drug are presented in the following list:
- Ursolak;
- Ursoliv;
- Ursolysin;
- Ursomax;
- Ursonost;
- Ursofalk;
- Ursohol;
- Essentiale;
- Choludexan.
All analogues of Ursosan have their own characteristics of action and application. None of them should be replaced independently without consulting a doctor. The price of analogues may vary depending on the amount of medicine in one package. However, in most cases their cost is higher than the described drug in a similar quantity.
Let's take a closer look at some Ursosan analogues.
Ursofalk or Ursosan - which is better?
In most cases, when choosing between these two drugs, experts believe that the first remedy is better. This has been confirmed by many clinical observations, patient reviews and many years of practice. People who have taken both drugs note that Ursofalk is easier to tolerate. And experts report that it dissolves gallstones faster and improves liver condition. However, what is the difference between Ursosan and Ursofalk for each specific case can only be understood in practice. There are people for whom a medicine like Ursosan is more suitable. So you can first prescribe a course of Ursofalk , and, if the treatment is not effective enough, move on to another drug. In this way, the best treatment method can be selected.
Ursosan or Essentiale - which is better?
As a hepatoprotector , Essentiale is much more effective in maintaining liver function. In addition, this remedy does not have as many side effects. So for those who choose the drug when it is necessary to normalize liver function, doctors in most cases recommend a second remedy. Ursosan is more expensive and has less effect on the cellular structure.
Urdoxa or Ursosan - which is better?
Urdoxa is a domestically produced product, which is a generic version of Ursosan. However, all the necessary components for its manufacture are purchased abroad. Thus, all the components in it are the same as in the original drug. So the answer to the question: “ Urdoxa or Ursosan – which is better?” - does not exist. In fact, these are complete analogues, and the difference between them lies only in the country of origin. Many, however, choose a domestic product, since its cost is much lower.
Ursoliv or Ursosan - which is better?
Both drugs have the same main component. Some patients tolerate one drug better, while others tolerate the other. In this situation, individual effectiveness can only be verified in practice. All this depends on the characteristics of the body, so you should start taking one of the remedies, and if it does not help, move on to another. There are no objective signs to help determine the effectiveness of each of these drugs. Many patients prefer to try each of the remedies and then choose the most effective one.
Pharmacokinetics
After Ursosan enters the stomach, the maximum concentration of ursodeoxycholic acid in the intestine is reached after 2 hours. This indicator may vary depending on the dose of the drug and the presence of food in the digestive tract. After providing a therapeutic effect, the compound is absorbed from the small intestine and excreted from the body along with feces.
The main ingredient of Ursosan capsules almost completely binds to proteins in the bloodstream. With a long course of treatment with a pharmacological drug, a significant amount of bile acids is replaced by ursodeoxycholic acid.
With alcohol
Since the drug has alcoholic liver damage , it was tested for compatibility with alcohol. After all, it can be difficult for people taking this drug to give up a bad habit, even if it has already had an adverse effect on the body. As a result of research, it was found that the drug does not lose its effectiveness when drinking alcoholic beverages. This is confirmed by improvements in biochemical blood parameters in people with such addiction.
Reviews about Ursosan
Reviews of drug treatment can often be found on specialized forums. Doctors also express their opinions. They note the effectiveness of this drug. Patient reviews are also mostly positive. Some also take it as a prophylactic in cases where a large load on the liver is expected.
With regard to use for newborns, doctors' reviews of Ursosan usually report that the treatment was effective. Parents turn to them when their children develop jaundice . Those who gave the medicine according to the specialist’s instructions leave reviews about Ursosan, which say that the drug helped.
How Ursosan works
According to the instructions for use, fine particles of the drug neutralize harmful bile acids, thereby reducing the negative impact of gastric refluxate on the liver cell membrane. The immunological effect of Ursosan is achieved by increasing the activity of killer lymphocytes and eosinophils. In addition, the use of the drug helps stabilize the membrane of liver cells, making them immune to negative effects. The instructions for Ursosan inform that the use of the product also gives other positive effects:
- hepatoprotective;
- choleretic;
- antifibrotic;
- antilithogenic;
- hypocholesterolemic (lowers cholesterol levels).
Ursosan price, where to buy
This medicine can be bought in Ukraine, Belarus and Russia. How much this drug costs depends largely on the number of capsules in one package.
You can buy this product in Moscow and other Russian cities at the following prices:
- price Ursosan 100 tablets (250 mg) – approximately 1480 rubles;
- price of Ursosan 50 capsules - approximately 820 rubles;
- the price of a package of 10 capsules is approximately 180 rubles.
Average price of Ursosan in Ukraine:
- capsules of 50 pieces per package – 610 hryvnia;
- capsules of 100 pieces per package – 1050 hryvnia;
- capsules of 10 pieces per package – 100 hryvnia.
The cost of the drug in Minsk and other cities of Belarus:
- capsules of 50 pieces per package - approximately 300 thousand Belarusian rubles;
- capsules of 10 pieces per package - approximately 70 thousand Belarusian rubles.
- Online pharmacies in RussiaRussia
- Online pharmacies in UkraineUkraine
- Online pharmacies in KazakhstanKazakhstan
ZdravCity
- Ursosan capsules 250 mg 50 pcs. ZiO-Zdorovye ZAO
754 rub. order - Ursosan capsules 250 mg 10 pcs. Pro.Med.Cs
182 RUR order
- Ursosan caps. 250 mg No. 100 ZiO-Zdorovye ZAO
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Pharmacy Dialogue
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186 RUR order
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Pharmacy24
- Ursosan 250 mg No. 100 capsules PRO.MED.CS Prague a.t., Czech Republic/ PRO.MED.CS Prague a.s., Czech Republic
1022 UAH.order
PaniPharmacy
- Ursosan capsule Ursosan caps. 250 mg No. 50, PRO.MED.CS Prague
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