When detecting hepatitis, stagnation of bile, cholangitis and other similar pathologies, doctors often recommend Ursosan capsules. Instructions for use of the drug prescribe its use to accelerate bile outflow and prevent gallstone disease. This tool belongs to the category of hepatoprotectors necessary for the treatment of liver and gall bladder defects.
Composition and form of release
Capsules "Ursosan" is a modern medicine that has immunomodulating, choleretic and hepatoprotective effects. In addition, the drug has a hypocholesterolemic effect and a lipid-lowering effect on organ tissues. This imported product is used in the treatment of pathologies of the gallbladder and liver of various pathogenesis.
Ursosan is produced in the form of small oblong capsules filled with snow-white powder. The main active ingredient of the drug is ursodeoxycholic acid. In addition to it, the composition of Ursosan capsules also includes such components:
- magnesium stearate;
- silica;
- gelatinized and plain corn starch.
The capsule shell consists of titanium dioxide and gelatin. The active ingredient of the drug in combination with auxiliary components not only affects the internal organs, but also improves the absorption of the drug in the digestive system, making the treatment process delicate.
The drug is produced by a Czech pharmaceutical company in several dosages: 250, 500 and 750 mg. This diversity allows patients to choose the best option for their medication that meets all the requirements of therapy.
Pharmacological properties
Ursodeoxycholic acid, penetrating the body, attracts bile masses and cholesterol. Through this effect, the neutralization of harmful toxins is carried out and the functioning of the biliary system is normalized. The drug has several effects aimed at:
- a significant decrease in cholesterol;
- cessation of the process of liver degeneration;
- improving the properties of immunity;
- prevention of cholesterol stones;
- renewal of liver cells;
- normalization of the outflow of bile.
With prolonged use of Ursosan capsules, an unpleasant bitter taste in the mouth disappears in patients and overall health improves noticeably. In addition, this drug has a positive effect on the digestive tract.
Indications for use
Ursosan capsules have anticholestatic, hepatoprotective and immunomodulatory effects. It is advisable to use it with pathologies such as:
- acute and chronic form of viral hepatitis;
- alcohol intoxication;
- biliary cirrhosis;
- reflux esophagitis;
- insufficient patency of the bile ducts;
- cystic fibrosis;
- primary cholangitis;
- malformations of the gallbladder.
In addition, Ursosan is often recommended to neutralize the harmful effects of drugs on liver cells. For example, after taking hormonal contraceptives, cytostatics, antitumor drugs. It is also used to prevent relapse after cholecystectomy. In addition, the drug is often used to eliminate gallstones that have arisen in a functioning bladder.
Instructions for use capsules "Ursosan"
The product must be swallowed whole, without chewing, and washed down with plenty of water. Doctors advise taking the drug before a night's rest. The required dosage is determined by the type of pathology. The standard daily rate is 10 mg per 1 kg of weight. In other words, people weighing more than 80 kg should take 4 capsules daily.
In urgent need, this medicine can be used for children. Ursosan is often recommended for treating babies who have malformations of the gallbladder. Before use, the capsule must be opened, and the powder inside must be divided into 4 parts. Every day, the child should be given one dose of the drug with meals.
When diagnosing polar cirrhosis, patients are prescribed a different amount of the drug - up to 20 mg per 1 kg of weight. Capsules should be taken twice during the day: morning and evening. The therapeutic course can last 1-3 years.
In the case of liver damage provoked by alcohol, the patient is prescribed a standard dosage of the drug, which should be taken throughout the year.
If gallstone disease is detected, the therapeutic course should continue until the disappeared stones are completely gone. Then the doctor can prescribe Ursosan capsules for the prevention of relapse pathology.
Contraindications
This drug has many limitations for use. So, capsules should not be used when detecting such problems:
- the content of large amounts of calcium and other substances not related to cholesterol in gallstones;
- purulent inflammation of the gallbladder;
- stage of cirrhosis, characterized by the replacement of organ cells with connective tissue;
- decreased gallbladder activity;
- hepatic and renal failure;
- the period of bearing a child;
- individual intolerance to the components of the composition;
- pancreatic dysfunction;
- acute form of cholangitis and cholecystitis;
- fistulas in the digestive tract.
Due to the high-quality purification of the drug from all impurities, the product does not have age restrictions. However, the medicine is not recommended for babies under 4 years of age due to the difficulty of swallowing capsules.
Side effects
Negative manifestations due to the use of the drug can occur against the background of an overdose. As a rule, they are expressed as such symptoms:
- vomiting and nausea;
- discomfort in the lower back;
- acute pain in the stomach;
- diarrhea;
- itching and skin rashes.
In addition, in some patients, unpleasant phenomena such as intense hair loss and an abnormal change in the shade of the nails were noted. If any similar symptoms are detected, you should immediately abandon the further use of the capsules and consult a doctor.
Price and analogues
There are several drugs identical to Ursosan that also contain ursodeoxycholic acid. The most famous among them are:
- Urdoksa;
- Ursocaps;
- Ursoliv;
- Ursofalk;
- Ursozim
- Ursodez.
There is another category of medicines that have other active ingredients, but at the same time have the same effect as Ursosan.
- "Allohol" is a domestic preparation containing enterosorbents and plant components. The price of Ursosan is several times higher than the cost of this drug.
- "Cholenzym" is a choleretic drug that stabilizes digestive processes.
True, all the described drugs do not completely compensate for the complex effect of Ursosan. So replace the prescribed medicine with similar means without consulting a doctor is not worth it.
As for the price of Ursosan, it ranges from 170-380 rubles per 10 pieces. The cost of the drug depends on the number of capsules in the package and, of course, the dosage. So, the price of 10 pieces of 250 mg is about 200 rubles, and the same amount of 500 mg tablets is 380 rubles.
Conclusion
Ursosan is a rather effective and safe drug that has proven itself among patients with gastroenterological problems. It is a modern hepatoprotective agent of the latest generation. And the reviews of people who used this drug indicate its effectiveness and the extremely rare occurrence of all kinds of side effects.