Ursofalk medication defines the instructions for use as a medicine with an extensive spectrum of action, which, among other things, has hepatoprotective, cholelitolytic, immunomodulating properties. Also, the drug significantly reduces blood cholesterol.
Active substance
The active ingredient of the drug is ursodeoxycholic acid. It is present in some quantities in human bile, but as a result of certain impaired liver functioning, the synthesis and, accordingly, the content of this substance in bile can be reduced.
Ursodeoxycholic acid as the main ingredient is present not only in the Ursofalk preparation. Analogues in composition and pharmacological properties are medicines such as Ursosan, Ursoliv, Urdoxa. We’ll talk more about them below.
Therapeutic effects of Ursofalk
- The choleretic effect is manifested in a decrease in the amount of hydrophobic acids in bile and an increase in their excretion into the intestinal lumen. In addition, the drug, due to its association with receptors located in the ileum, reduces the absorption of toxic hydrophobic acids.
- The immunomodulatory effect is due to the fact that ursodeoxycholic acid is able to reduce the expression of first-class HLA molecules on hepatocytes, and second-class HLA molecules on cholangiocytes. Also, the drug reduces the synthesis of pro-inflammatory cytokines.
- The cytoprotective effect is the ability of the active substance to penetrate the lipid layer of the cell membrane, as a result of which the cell membrane is stabilized, its protective properties are improved.
- Hypercholesterolemic effect is based on a decrease in ileum absorption and a decrease in cholesterol synthesis in the liver, as well as its excretion with bile.
In addition to the above effects, the drug “Ursofalk” (instructions for use indicates this) forms liquid crystals containing a cholesterol molecule, which reduces the lithogenicity of bile. Due to the conversion of cholesterol compounds, the formation of stones decreases and their dissolution occurs.
Pharmacokinetics
After oral administration of the drug in the small intestine, absorption of ursodeoxycholic acid occurs, while absorption by active transport predominates in the ileum in the terminal section, and by passive transport in the jejunum and in the ileum in the upper section. About 60-80 percent of the dose taken passes into the general bloodstream.
The active substance is metabolized in the liver and partially decomposes in the intestine, which leads to the formation of toxic seven-keto-lithocholic acid, which, in turn, is absorbed to the general bloodstream to a small extent and detoxified in the liver. The half-life of the drug is three to five days. Basically, it is excreted with feces in the form of metabolites.
Indications for use
The drug "Ursofalk" instructions for use show use in diseases of the gall bladder, liver, accompanied by an increase in blood levels of cholesterol, cholestasis, a decrease in certain functions of the liver. Among such ailments, one can note biliary cirrhosis of the liver (primary), biliary reflux gastritis, sclerosing cholangitis (primary), biliary reflux esophagitis, hepatitis of various etiologies, cystic fibrosis.
The drug is prescribed if there are stones in the gallbladder, but only if they are X-ray negative, in diameter their size does not exceed fifteen millimeters, and the patient does not impair the functioning of the gallbladder. The medication is also used in case of toxic damage to the liver (for example, with alcohol poisoning), its pathology, accompanied by cholestasis (in children), biliary dyskinesia, and atresia of the intrahepatic bile ducts. It is taken by patients who are on parenteral nutrition, in order to eliminate stagnation of bile, as well as people who have undergone liver transplant surgery.
As a prophylactic, Ursofalk is prescribed (drug analogs can also be used in these cases) simultaneously with taking medications that can negatively affect the liver (hormonal contraceptives, drugs with a cholestatic effect).
Release form and composition
The drug Ursofalk has two forms of release: suspension (no analogues, made in Switzerland) and capsules (there are analogues, made in Germany). The first version of the drug is mainly used for children or people with difficulty swallowing. Capsules are gelatinous, opaque, hard, the lid and body are painted white, inside are white granules or powder. Available in packs of 10, 25, 50 or 100 pieces. The suspension also has a white color, is characterized by a uniform consistency, contains air bubbles, has a lemon aroma. Available in bottles of 250 milliliters, a measuring spoon is included.
250 milligrams of ursodeoxycholic acid is contained in one capsule of the drug, the same amount of active substance is present in five milliliters (one measured spoon) of Ursofalk suspension. The syrup includes auxiliary components: glycerol, citric anhydrous acid, xylitol, propylene glycol, sodium chloride, microcrystalline cellulose, benzoic acid, lemon flavor, sodium citrate, purified water, sodium cyclamate. The minor ingredients in the capsule composition are colloidal silicon dioxide, titanium dioxide, sodium lauryl sulfate, corn starch, magnesium stearate, gelatin, purified water.
How to take Ursofalk
The medication in the case of a single dose is preferably taken in the evening. Capsules are swallowed without chewing, and washed down with water in the right amount. As already noted, the Ursofalk medicine for children is best used in the form of a suspension (syrup). The dosage should be calculated by the doctor based on the nature of the disease and the characteristics of the patient's body. Infants (weighing more than five kilograms) should be given a quarter scoop of suspension before bedtime.
Usually, with liver diseases, the daily dose of the drug for adults is 10-15 mg per kilogram of weight, the course of therapy lasts from six months to two years, while it is not recommended to take breaks in taking the medication. For people with biliary reflux esophagitis or biliary reflux gastritis, the daily dose of Ursofalk is 250 mg, the course of treatment is ten to fourteen days. With sclerosing cholangitis and biliary cirrhosis per day, as a rule, 10-15 mg per kilogram of weight is prescribed, but if necessary, the dose is increased to 20 mg per 1 kg. Therapy usually lasts from six months to two years. Patients with cystic fibrosis take the medicine daily at a dose of 20-30 mg per kilogram of weight for six months to two years. In case of toxic liver damage, it is indicated to administer the drug in a daily dose of 10-15 mg per kilogram of weight for six to twelve months.
Medication "Ursofalk." Analogs
Let us compare the characteristics of the drug with preparations similar in composition and pharmacological properties.
- The drug "Ursosan." This product is produced in the Czech Republic and Germany, is available only in capsule form. The mechanism of action of drugs is similar. However, therapists, hepatologists, infectious disease doctors, on the question of which drug is better: "Ursosan" or "Ursofalk", unanimously answer that it is preferable to choose the second. Such conclusions are made by specialists on the basis of their own clinical observations and patient reviews. The medicine “Ursofalk” is easier to tolerate than the analogue in question, it also normalizes the functional state of the liver faster. But do not forget about the personal characteristics of the body, there are people to whom the Ursosan tool helps better. In addition, this drug costs a little cheaper: a package with 50 capsules will cost 650-830 rubles, while for 50 capsules of the Ursofalk medication you will have to pay 850-1200 rubles.
- Means "Urdoksa". The medication is a generic of domestic production. However, the pharmaceutical corporation that produces it purchases the necessary ingredients abroad, and in Russia there is only the process of manufacturing the drug. It is also available in capsules, the price for 50 pieces varies from 440-960 rubles. Both drugs are similar in pharmacological properties, there is no significant difference in the effect produced.
- Medication "Ursoliv". The medicine, as in the previous case, is produced in Russia. At the same time, many people note that of all these funds, this is the best dissolving stones in the gall bladder. But there are those who have more effective treatment when taking the drug "Ursofalk." Capsules have a similar composition, so it is difficult to give preference to one or another option. If you focus on the price, it is better to purchase the drug "Ursoliv", it costs less - 460-905 rubles for 50 capsules.
Side effects
Ursofalk is well tolerated by patients. Analogues of the drug are also characterized by good tolerance. In some cases, against the background of treatment, calcification of gallstones occurs, a mushy stool develops, and epigastric pains appear. In addition, an allergy may develop in the form of skin itching, urticaria. There have been no reports of an overdose of the drug to date.
Contraindications
High personal sensitivity to the components of the drug is the basis for refusing to use it. The medicine is contraindicated for people with cholangitis, obstruction of the cystic or bile duct, acute cholecystitis. Do not prescribe the drug to patients suffering from impaired motor function of the gallbladder, biliary colic.
Pregnancy and lactation
According to studies, ursodeoxycholic acid does not exhibit mutagenic, teratogenic, embryotoxic activity, but its ability to penetrate the hematoplacental barrier and influence the course of pregnancy has not been fully studied. Therefore, taking the medicine “Ursofalk” during the bearing of a child is possible only if necessary and as directed by a doctor. There is no experience with the use of the drug in the lactation period.
Interaction with other medicines
The simultaneous administration of the drug with antacids containing aluminum hydroxide, and with the medicines "Kolestipol" and "Kolestiramin" leads to a decrease in the systemic absorption of the active substance. The drug can change the concentration in the blood plasma of the drug Cyclosporin. If there is a need for the joint use of such medicines, they should be taken at intervals of at least two hours.