General information

Actigall belongs to bile acid. It works by decreasing the amount of cholesterol produced by the liver and absorbed by the intestines. Actigall is used to dissolve certain types of gallstones, to prevent gallstones from forming in obese patients who are losing weight rapidly, and to treat a certain type of liver disease (primary biliary cirrhosis). This medicine is not for treating gallstones that are calcified.

Directions

Take Actigall exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Take each dose with a full glass of water. The medication can be taken with meals. It may take several months of taking ursodiol before your gallstones dissolve. Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy.

Precautions

Before taking Actigall you should talk with your doctor if you have liver disease, ascites, variceal bleeding, hepatic encephalopathy. This drug may make you dizzy. Do not drive or perform tasks that require alertness. Limit alcoholic beverages. Avoid using antacids. Antacids contain different medicines and some types can make it harder for your body to absorb ursodiol.

Contraindications

You should not take Actigall if you are allergic to ursodiol, or to other bile acids, or if you have certain gallbladder/bile duct problems (acute cholecystitis, cholangitis, biliary obstruction, gallstone pancreatitis, biliary-gastrointestinal fistula). Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Possible side effect

Get emergency medical help if you have stomach upset, nausea, diarrhea, dizziness, constipation, back pain, hair loss, cough, increased thirst, easy bleeding, difficulty breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, hives, runny or stuffy nose, tired feeling, weakness, headache, swelling of the ankles or feet, increased urination. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor.

Drug interactions

Tell your doctor about all other medications you use, especially: cholestyramine, colestipol, aluminum-containing antacids, estrogens, clofibrate. Interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking.

Missed dose

Take the missed dose as soon as possible. Skip the missed dose if it is time for your next scheduled dose. Don't take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Overdose

If you think you have overdosed the medicine seek emergency medical help at once. The overdose symptom is diarrhea.

Storage

Store the medicine at room temperature away from light and moisture. Store it in a tight container. Keep all drugs away from reach of children and pets.

Note

The information presented at the site has a general character. Note please this information cannot be used for self-treatment and self diagnosis. You should consult with your doctor or health care adviser regarding any specific instructions of your condition. The information is reliable, but we concede it could contain mistakes. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other damage caused by use of this information on the site and also for consequences of self-treatment.