|
|
 |
 |
    |
 |
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
||||||
|
Ursodiol, also known as ursodeoxycholic acid, is a
hydrophilic bile acid that has been used successfully in treatment of
cholestatic liver diseases of humans including chronic hepatitis, primary
biliary cirrhosis, primary sclerosing cholangitis, intrahepatic cholestasis
of pregnancy, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, TPN induced cholestasis,
some pediatric cholestatic liver diseases, and graft/host liver transplant
reactions. Ursodiol has a number of hepatoprotective properties including
immunomodulatory, cytoprotective, and membrane stabilizing effects on
hepatic cells. It expands the bile acid pool by increasing flow, and displaces
hepatotoxic, hydrophobic bile acids. It suppresses the synthesis, secretion
and intestinal absorption of cholesterol. Ursodiol is well absorbed through
oral administration.
Ursodiol is now used in a variety hepatobiliary conditions
in small animals. Its use is better established in dogs although it has
also been reported on in cats. In dogs, ursodiol is used in chronic hepatitis,
some forms of acute hepatic failure or toxic injury, some congenital abnormalities
including primary portal vein hypoplasia, and juvenile fibrosing liver
disease.
There is less information on its ursodiol in cats, but it may be used
in cases of chronic hepatitis, and congenital portosystemic shunts.
Ursodiol should be given with food. Efficacy may be monitored by using
liver enzymes, ultrasound or other liver function tests.
• Ursodiol is generally well tolerated. Vomiting
and diarrhea rarely occur. Side effects in humans include diarrhea and
other GI symptoms.
• Ursodiol may be contra-indicated in patients with biliary obstruction, fistula, other complications associated with gallstones, or pancreatitis.
• Some patients with chronic liver disease may have increased difficulty with bile acid metabolism.
• Ursodiol should not be used in rabbits or other hind-gut fermenters.
• Ursodiol has been investigated in pregnant women
with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy and has been found to improve
fetal prognosis. Similar work has not been done in animals. It is not
known if ursodiol is excreted in breast milk.
• Concurrent antacid use may decrease the effectiveness of ursodiol.
• The most likely occurence with overdose is an increase in severity of GI signs, particularly diarrhea. Gastric emptying, activated charcoal and oral administration of an aluminum containing antacid may be indicated.
Dr.
Barbara Forney is a veterinary practitioner in Chester County, Pennsylvania.
She has a master's degree in animal science from the University of Delaware
and graduated from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine
in 1982.
She began to develop her interest in client education and medical writing 1997. Recent publications include portions of The Pill Book Guide to Medication for Your Dog and Cat, and most recently Understanding Equine Medications published by the Bloodhorse.
Dr. Forney is an FEI veterinarian and an active member of the AAEP, AVMA, and AMWA.
You can purchase books by Dr. Forney at www.exclusivelyequine.com
|
|
 |
 We offer a free, no obligation formulation consultation.
We can custom formulate a prescription product just for you. |
|
|
The information contained on this site
is general in nature and is intended for use as an informational aid. It does
not cover all possible uses, actions, precautions, side effects, or interactions
of the products shown, nor is the information intended as medical advice or
diagnosis for individual health problems or for making an evaluation as to the
risks and benefits of using a particular product. You should consult your doctor
about diagnosis and treatment of any health problems. Information and statements
have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration ("FDA"),
nor has the FDA approved the products to diagnose, cure or prevent disease.
Wedgewood compounded veterinary medicines are not intended for use in food and food-producing animals.
Request a Brochure | Request a Formulation Consultation
Caring for People | Veterinary
Medicine | Due Diligence | HIPAA Privacy Notice | Home
Compounding Pharmacy | Veterinary
Pharmacy | Veterinary Medications
Information on Expired Medications | Sitemap
Featured Medication: Avastin for Macular
Degeneration, Isosulfan Blue
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
Wedgewood
Pharmacy
405 Heron Drive Suite 200 • Swedesboro, NJ 08085-1749 • 1-888-678-1967
Copyright © 2004-2006 Wedgewood Village Pharmacy, Inc. All
rights reserved.
