Ursodiol 300 mg 

Category- Allopathy

About Ursodiol 300 mg

Ursodiol 300 mg tablet is used to treat gallstones and certain liver diseases like primary biliary cholangitis. It works by lowering cholesterol in bile, which helps dissolve cholesterol gallstones and improves bile flow from the liver. It also protects liver cells from damage. Ursodiol 300 mg dose is usually based on body weight and should not exceed 15 mg/kg/day unless advised by a doctor.  

Common side effects of Ursodiol 300 mg include diarrhea, nausea, stomach pain, constipation, headache, and dizziness. In rare cases, it may cause allergic reactions like rash or swelling. It should be avoided in people who are allergic to it or have complete blockage of bile ducts. 

Taking more than the recommended dose may cause symptoms like diarrhea, stomach upset, nausea, or vomiting. Always take this medicine exactly as prescribed and consult your doctor if any severe symptoms occur. 

Medicine Highlights

Ursodiol 300 mg Uses 

Ursodiol 300 mg tablet is an oral medicine belonging to the category of bile acid medicines. Ursodiol 300 mg is used to treat following conditions: 

• Gallstones (cholesterol stones) 
• Primary Biliary Cholangitis (liver disease) 
• Protects liver cells in liver disorders  

Directions for Use

• Take Ursodiol 300 mg exactly as prescribed by your doctor, at the same time each day. 
• Do not stop taking Ursodiol 300 mg without your doctor’s approval, even if you feel better. 
• If you forget to take Ursodiol 300 mg, take it as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. 

Ursodiol 300 mg Side Effects 

More Common  

1. Diarrhea 
2. Constipation 
3. Nausea 
4. Stomach pain 
5. Indigestion 
6. Headache 
7. Dizziness 

Less Common 

1. Severe abdominal pain 
2. Allergic reaction (rash, swelling, breathing difficulty) 
3. Hair thinning (rare) 

How Ursodiol 300 mg Works 

Ursodiol 300 mg works by changing the way bile (a digestive fluid made by the liver) behaves in your body. Normally, bile can contain a high amount of cholesterol, which can form gallstones. Ursodiol 300 mg reduces the cholesterol in bile, which helps slowly dissolve existing gallstones and prevents new ones from forming. It also makes the bile flow more smoothly from the liver, instead of getting stuck or causing damage. This helps protect liver cells and improves liver function in certain liver diseases. 

Safety Measures and Warning 

Allergic Reactions

If you are allergic to Ursodiol 300 mg, you should avoid it because it can cause serious allergic reactions like rash, itching, swelling, or breathing problems. Always communicate with your doctor before use.

Liver Disease Monitoring

Ursodiol 300 mg may not work properly or can affect your liver in liver disease. Tell your doctor so they can do regular tests and adjust the dose if needed.

Pregnancy

If you are pregnant or planning pregnancy, consult your doctor before using Ursodiol 300 mg.

Breastfeeding

If you are breastfeeding, use only if advised by your doctor and avoid applying near the chest area.

Ursodiol 300 mg Interaction with Food Products 

Ursodiol 300 mg can be taken after food as medicine work better and reduces stomach discomfort. There are no major food restrictions while taking this medicine. 

Ursodiol 300 mg Interaction with Other Medications 

Avoid taking Ursodiol 300 mg with the following medicines, as it may increase or decrease the desired effect, or in worse cases, it could be fatal: 

Ursodiol 300 mg Chemical Structure

IUPAC (International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry) Name

(4R)-4-[(3R,5S,7S,8R,9S,10S,13R,14S,17R)-3,7-dihydroxy-10,13-dimethyl-2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,11,12,14,15,16,17-tetradecahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-17-yl]pentanoic acid 

Intake routine/cycle 

Daily dose

Take Ursodiol 300 mg exactly as your doctor recommends. The dose may change based on your condition and how well you respond. Do not take more than prescribed without consulting your doctor.

Missed Dose

If you forget to take your medicine, take the medication as soon as you remember. If it’s nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed one and continue with your regular schedule. Always consult the doctor before making any changes to your dosage. 

Overdose

It is not recommended to take more than 15 mg/kg/day of Ursodiol. Taking higher doses may lead to side effects like diarrhea, stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting. Always follow your doctor’s prescribed dose and seek medical help if any severe symptoms occur.

Storage

1. Store the medicine at room temperature 
2. Keep away from sunlight and moisture 
3. Keep out of reach of children 

FAQ’s

What are the side effects of Ursodiol 300 mg?

Ursodiol may cause side effects like diarrhea, constipation, nausea, stomach pain, and indigestion. Some people may also experience headache or dizziness. Rarely, it can cause allergic reactions such as rash or swelling, and very rarely hair thinning.

What class of drug does Ursodiol 300 mg belong to?

Ursodiol belongs to the class of bile acids (choleretic agents). These medicines help improve bile flow and reduce cholesterol in bile.

What is the mechanism of action of Ursodiol 300 mg?

Ursodiol works by reducing cholesterol levels in bile and improving bile flow from the liver. This helps dissolve cholesterol gallstones and protects liver cells from damage caused by toxic bile acids.

What are the contraindications of Ursodiol 300 mg?

Ursodiol should not be used in people who are allergic to it or those with complete blockage of bile ducts. It is also not suitable in certain severe liver or gallbladder conditions unless advised by a doctor.

Reference 

1. Ursodiol Dosage Guide + Max Dose, Adjustments [Internet]. Drugs.com. 2024. Available from 
2. PubChem. Ursodeoxycholic Acid [Internet]. Nih.gov. PubChem; 2026 [cited 2026 Apr 21]. Available from 
3. Ursodiol (Oral Route) Description and Brand Names – Mayo Clinic [Internet]. www.mayoclinic.org. Available from 

Pranathi Chintaluri

Pranathi is a final year Pharm D student at Chalapathi Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences. She loves learning and applying her knowledge in pharmacy and has a passion for writing, which allows her to express ideas clearly and creatively. She enjoys combining her technical skills with her love for writing and communication to make a meaningful impact. Currently she is working on a research paper about “Consanguineous marriages and its impact on children’s health” which will be published by the end of 2025.