Drug Status in USA : Approved Drug Status in Canada : Approved
Indication : Why is this medication prescribed?
Dissolution of cholesterol-rich gallstones. Cirrhosis and other hepatic disorders.
Contraindication: What are the special precautions to be followed?
Under following conditions, use of this medication is inadvisable. Its use should be withhold as it would cause harm to the patient Hypersensitivity. Calcified and pigment gallstones, radio opaque gallstones. Non functioning gall bladders, chronic liver and peptic ulcer disease. Inflammatory disease of colon and small intestine. Pregnancy.
Other Precaution to be observed while taking this medication
Lactation.
What are possible side effects of this medication ?
Diarrhoea, pruritus, nausea, vomiting, gallstone calcification. 50% of successfully treated patients will develop further gallstones within 10 year.
Drug Category/Class
Cholagogues and Choleretics
Alimentary Tract and Metabolism
Bile and Liver Therapy
Bile Acid Preparations
Bile Therapy
BSEP
ABCB11 Inhibitors
CYP2E1 Inhibitors
CYP2E1 Inducers
CYP2E1 Inducers (strong)
Bile acid preparations
Prescribed
The drug reduces cholesterol absorption and is used to dissolve (cholesterol) gallstones in patients who want an alternative to surgery.