Urso forte

Urso Forte is a brand name for the drug ursodiol, a bile acid used for the treatment of primary biliary cirrhosis. Ursodiol is also used to prevent the formation of gallstones in patients who are losing weight rapidly.

Pharmacology

Ursodiol is a naturally occurring bile acid found in small quantities in normal human bile and in larger quantities in the biles of certain species of bears. It is a bitter-tasting white powder consisting of crystalline particles freely soluble in ethanol and glacial acetic acid, slightly soluble in chloroform, and practically insoluble in water. The chemical name for ursodiol is 3α,7β-Dihydroxy-5β-cholan-24-oic acid (C24H40O4).

Mechanism of Action

Ursodiol suppresses hepatic synthesis and secretion of cholesterol, and also inhibits intestinal absorption of cholesterol. It appears to have little inhibitory effect on synthesis and secretion into bile of endogenous bile acids, and does not appear to affect secretion of phospholipids into bile.

Clinical Use

Urso Forte is used for the treatment of patients with primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC), a chronic disease of the liver that slowly destroys the bile ducts within the liver. Ursodiol has been shown to reduce elevated liver enzyme levels in people with PBC.

Urso Forte is also used to prevent the formation of gallstones in obese patients experiencing rapid weight loss. Rapid weight loss can result in the development of gallstones due to the super-saturation of cholesterol in bile.

Side Effects

Common side effects of Urso Forte include diarrhea, constipation, upset stomach, dizziness, back pain, hair loss, or cough. If any of these effects persist or worsen, patients are advised to tell their doctor or pharmacist promptly.

See Also

• Ursodiol
• Bile acid
• Primary biliary cirrhosis
• Gallstones