Bile acidPrescription only
Ursodeoxycholic Acid
Tablet or capsule
Quick Summary
Ursodeoxycholic acid improves bile flow and protects liver cells.
Primary biliary cholangitis
Small cholesterol gallstones
Itching in pregnancy
Medical Uses
Primary biliary cholangitis: Long-term treatment.
Small cholesterol gallstones: In selected people.
Itching in pregnancy: Obstetric cholestasis, under specialist care.
How it's taken
Take with food as prescribed.
Your doctor decides the right dose for you and how long to take it.
Your doctor decides the right dose for you. Follow their instructions and the label.
Common Side Effects
Diarrhoea
Sometimes.
Tummy discomfort
Mild.
Itching
Rarely.
Interactions
Antacids
Reduce absorption.
Critical Warnings
Gallstones
Often not effective for most gallstones; surgery is usual.
Monitoring
Liver tests during treatment.
Sources and further reading
Last updated 21 October 2026. For more detail, see these trusted health organisations.
- Ursodiol: drug information(opens in a new tab) · MedlinePlus, US National Library of Medicine