Ursodoxicoltaurine

Ursodoxicoltaurine is a bile acid that is used in the treatment of liver diseases. It is a synthetic derivative of ursodeoxycholic acid, which is a naturally occurring bile acid found in small quantities in normal human bile and in larger quantities in the bile of certain species of bears. Ursodoxicoltaurine is used to dissolve gallstones and to treat primary biliary cirrhosis, a disease in which the bile ducts in the liver are slowly destroyed.

Chemistry

Ursodoxicoltaurine is a taurine conjugate of ursodeoxycholic acid. It is a white crystalline substance that is soluble in ethanol and methanol, but practically insoluble in water. The chemical formula of ursodoxicoltaurine is C26H45NO6S.

Pharmacology

Ursodoxicoltaurine works by decreasing the production of cholesterol in the liver and by dissolving the cholesterol in the bile so that it cannot form stones. It also increases the production of bile, which helps to reduce the symptoms of primary biliary cirrhosis.

Clinical use

Ursodoxicoltaurine is used in the treatment of gallstones and primary biliary cirrhosis. It is also used to treat other liver diseases, such as hepatitis and cirrhosis, and to prevent the recurrence of gallstones after surgery.

Side effects

The most common side effects of ursodoxicoltaurine are diarrhea and abdominal pain. Less common side effects include nausea, vomiting, constipation, headache, dizziness, and rash.

See also

• Ursodeoxycholic acid
• Taurine
• Bile acid
• Gallstones
• Primary biliary cirrhosis