Why is this medication prescribed?
Ursodiol is used to dissolve gallstones in patients who do not want surgery or cannot have surgery to remove gallstones. Ursodiol is also used to prevent the formation of gallstones in overweight patients who are losing weight very quickly. Ursodiol is a bile acid, a substance naturally produced by the body that is stored in the gallbladder. It works by decreasing the production of cholesterol and by dissolving the cholesterol in bile so that it cannot form stones.
This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
National Library of Medicine | National Institutes of Health | Department of Health and Human Services
