Hydrocholeretic

Hydrocholeretic is a term used in pharmacology to describe a substance that increases the volume of bile secreted by the liver. Hydrocholeretics are often used in the treatment of gallstones and other biliary tract disorders.

Mechanism of Action

Hydrocholeretics work by stimulating the liver to produce more bile. This is achieved by increasing the flow of water and electrolytes into the bile, which in turn increases its volume. The exact mechanism by which this occurs is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve the activation of certain receptors in the liver cells.

Types of Hydrocholeretics

There are several types of hydrocholeretics, including:

• Cholagogues: These are substances that stimulate the gallbladder to contract and release stored bile into the small intestine.
• Choleretics: These are substances that stimulate the liver to produce more bile.
• Cholekinetics: These are substances that increase the speed at which bile moves through the biliary tract.

Uses

Hydrocholeretics are used in the treatment of a variety of conditions, including:

• Gallstones: By increasing the volume of bile, hydrocholeretics can help to dissolve gallstones and prevent new ones from forming.
• Cholestasis: This is a condition in which the flow of bile from the liver is slowed or stopped. Hydrocholeretics can help to increase the flow of bile and relieve symptoms.
• Biliary dyskinesia: This is a disorder of the biliary tract in which the muscles that control the flow of bile do not work properly. Hydrocholeretics can help to improve the flow of bile in this condition.

Side Effects

Like all medications, hydrocholeretics can cause side effects. These may include:

• Diarrhea: This is due to the increased volume of bile in the intestines.
• Abdominal pain: This can occur if the increased volume of bile causes the gallbladder to contract too forcefully.
• Nausea and vomiting: These are common side effects of many medications, including hydrocholeretics.

See Also

• Cholagogue
• Choleretic
• Cholekinetic