Udiliv Tablet (Ursodeoxycholic Acid) – Treatment for Gallstones & Liver Disease

Udiliv Tablet contains Ursodeoxycholic Acid (UDCA), a bile acid used to dissolve cholesterol gallstones and treat primary biliary cholangitis. This hepatoprotective medication works by reducing cholesterol saturation in bile and protecting liver cells from damage. Udiliv is particularly effective for patients who cannot undergo gallbladder surgery, requiring long-term treatment (typically 6-24 months) for complete stone dissolution. Take after meals with milk or water as directed by your physician.

Uses of Udiliv Tablet:

• Dissolution of cholesterol-rich gallstones
• Treatment of primary biliary cholangitis (PBC)
• Management of chronic cholestatic liver diseases
• Prevention of gallstone formation in high-risk patients

Benefits of Udiliv Tablet:

• Non-surgical alternative for gallstone treatment
• Improves liver function tests in cholestatic conditions
• Reduces cholesterol saturation in bile
• Protects hepatocytes from toxic bile acids
• May prevent gallstone recurrence post-dissolution

Side Effects of Udiliv Tablet

Common side effects: Diarrhea (10-20%), abdominal pain (5%), nausea (3%), pruritus (2%), hair thinning (1%)

Serious side effects (contact doctor): Severe right upper quadrant pain, clay-colored stools, dark urine, persistent nausea/vomiting

How to Use Udiliv Tablet?

• Take after meals with milk or water
• Swallow tablet whole – do not crush or chew
• For gallstones: Typically 10-15mg/kg/day in 2-3 divided doses
• For PBC: 13-15mg/kg/day in 2-4 divided doses
• Complete the full treatment course (may take 6-24 months)

How Udiliv Tablet Works?

Udiliv Tablet contains ursodeoxycholic acid which replaces toxic bile acids with non-toxic UDCA. It works by:

1. Inhibiting intestinal cholesterol absorption
2. Reducing hepatic cholesterol secretion
3. Promoting cholesterol stone dissolution
4. Stimulating bile flow (choleretic effect)
5. Protecting hepatocytes against apoptosis

This multifaceted action makes it effective for both gallstone dissolution and cholestatic liver diseases.

Safety Advice:

• Pregnancy: Category B – use only if clearly needed
• Breastfeeding: Suspend nursing during treatment
• Liver Monitoring: Regular LFTs required (every 3-6 months)
• Gallstone Monitoring: Ultrasound every 6 months
• Drug Interactions: Space out antacids/cholestyramine by 2-3 hours

What If You Miss a Dose?

Skip the missed dose if >50% of interval has passed. Never double dose. For example:

• If on BID dosing: Skip if >6 hours late
• If on TID dosing: Skip if >4 hours late

Maintain regular dosing schedule for optimal therapeutic effect.

FAQs:

Q1. How long does Udiliv take to dissolve gallstones?

Complete dissolution typically requires 6-24 months of continuous therapy. Small stones (<5mm) may dissolve in 6 months, while larger stones (5-15mm) may take 1-2 years.

Q2. Can I take Udiliv with my other medications?

Udiliv interacts with cholestyramine, antacids, and oral contraceptives. Maintain 2-3 hour gaps between these medications. Always inform your doctor about all medicines you’re taking.

Q3. Why must Udiliv be taken after meals?

Food enhances bile flow and UDCA absorption. Taking with meals maximizes therapeutic effect and minimizes gastrointestinal side effects.

Q4. What diet should I follow while taking Udiliv?

Follow a low-cholesterol diet (reduce fried foods, dairy fats) and maintain adequate hydration. This supports Udiliv’s action and prevents new stone formation.

Q5. How will I know if Udiliv is working?

Your doctor will monitor via:

• Ultrasound (stone size reduction)
• Liver function tests (improved enzymes)
• Symptom relief (reduced pain, itching)

First improvements may appear after 3-6 months.

Q6. Can Udiliv cause liver damage?

Paradoxically, UDCA may worsen PBC in rare cases. Regular monitoring (every 3-6 months) is crucial to detect any liver function deterioration early.

Q7. What’s the success rate of Udiliv for gallstones?

Complete dissolution occurs in:

• 70-80% of small (<5mm) floating stones
• 40-50% of medium (5-10mm) stones
• 10-20% of large (>10mm) stones

Success depends on strict adherence to therapy and dietary modifications.