Udiliv 600 Tablet

Udiliv 600 Tablet is a prescription medication marketed by Abbott and contains Ursodeoxycholic Acid (600 mg) as its active ingredient. This medication is commonly used to treat conditions related to the liver and gallbladder, such as cholesterol gallstones and primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC).

Composition:

• Ursodeoxycholic Acid (600 mg) – The active ingredient in Udiliv 600 Tablet, also known as Ursodiol. Ursodeoxycholic acid is a naturally occurring bile acid that has therapeutic effects on liver and gallbladder disorders.

Mechanism of Action:

Ursodeoxycholic Acid (UDCA) works in the following ways:

• Reduces cholesterol content in bile: UDCA lowers cholesterol saturation in bile, helping to dissolve cholesterol gallstones and prevent the formation of new ones.
• Protects liver cells: UDCA helps reduce the toxic effects of bile acids, which can accumulate and damage liver cells, particularly in conditions like primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) and cholestasis.
• Improves bile flow: In cases of impaired bile secretion (e.g., cholestasis), UDCA helps to improve bile flow from the liver to the intestines, reducing bile buildup.

Indications:

Udiliv 600 Tablet is prescribed for various liver and gallbladder conditions:

1. Cholesterol Gallstones:
   • UDCA helps to dissolve cholesterol-based gallstones in patients who are not candidates for gallbladder surgery, provided the stones are small and not calcified.
2. Primary Biliary Cirrhosis (PBC):
   • A chronic liver disease where bile ducts are progressively damaged, leading to liver failure. Ursodeoxycholic acid helps improve liver function and slow disease progression.
3. Cholestasis:
   • In conditions where bile flow is impaired (e.g., intrahepatic cholestasis), Ursodeoxycholic acid promotes bile flow and reduces the risk of liver damage from bile acids.
4. Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD):
   • UDCA is sometimes used to help improve liver function in patients with NAFLD, though this use is typically considered based on the severity of the condition.
5. Liver Protection:
   • Ursodeoxycholic acid helps protect liver cells from bile acid toxicity, especially in patients with liver disease.

Dosage:

The dosage of Udiliv 600 Tablet depends on the condition being treated:

• For Cholesterol Gallstones: Typically, 600 mg to 1200 mg per day in divided doses, usually taken for several months, depending on the size of the stones.
• For Primary Biliary Cirrhosis (PBC): The dose is usually 13-15 mg/kg body weight per day, divided into 2 or more doses. The exact dose should be adjusted by a healthcare provider.
• For Cholestasis: The dose is typically around 600 mg to 1200 mg per day, depending on the severity of the condition and the patient’s response to therapy.
• For Liver Protection and NAFLD: The dose may vary based on the specific condition and individual response.

Important: Always follow the prescribed dosage and duration recommended by your healthcare provider.

Side Effects:

Udiliv 600 Tablet is generally well-tolerated, but some patients may experience side effects, including:

• Common side effects:
  • Diarrhea
  • Abdominal pain or discomfort
  • Nausea or indigestion
  • Headache
• Serious side effects (rare but may require immediate medical attention):
  • Allergic reactions (e.g., rash, itching, swelling, difficulty breathing)
  • Fatigue or weakness
  • Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), which could be a sign of worsening liver function.
  • Liver function abnormalities: Liver enzymes may need to be monitored during treatment.

If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your healthcare provider immediately.

Precautions:

• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding:
  • Ursodeoxycholic acid is generally considered safe during pregnancy (Category B), but should only be used if clearly needed. Always consult your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding before using this medication.
• Liver Disease:
  • Ursodeoxycholic acid is used to treat liver disease, but caution should be exercised in patients with severe liver impairment. Regular monitoring of liver function is recommended during treatment.
• Gallstones:
  • Ursodeoxycholic acid is effective in dissolving cholesterol gallstones, but it is not effective for calcified or large stones. Ensure proper evaluation by a healthcare provider to determine if UDCA is appropriate.
• Drug Interactions:
  • Cholestyramine and Colestipol (bile acid sequestrants) may reduce the absorption of UDCA. These should be taken at least 1 hour before or 4-6 hours after taking UDCA.
  • Ciclosporin (an immunosuppressant used in organ transplant patients) may have increased blood levels when taken with Ursodeoxycholic acid, requiring close monitoring.
  • Estrogens (such as oral contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy) may decrease the effectiveness of UDCA in dissolving gallstones.

Storage:

• Store Udiliv 600 Tablet at room temperature, below 30°C.
• Keep it in a dry place, away from moisture and heat.
• Keep out of reach of children.

Return Policy:

• Udiliv 600 Tablet is a prescription medication, and like most prescription drugs, it is not returnable once purchased.