Ursodiol in Cholestasis and Hepatic Disease

Uses of Ursodiol

Ursodiol has been found to be useful as adjunct therapy for chronic hepatic disease, particularly where cholestasis is present. Ursodiol has been shown to have immunomodulatory, antiapoptotic, bile producing properties and help dissolve certain bladder stones (Webster, 2009). Ursodiol is advocated in intra- and extrahepatic cholestasis in the absence of complete bile duct obstruction (Malek, 2013).

Is Ursodiol Harmful?

Ursodiol is generally well tolerated in cats and dogs but has shown to present with diarrhea and other gastrointestinal effects. This can be toxic and contraindicated in hindgut fermenters such as rabbits because of the conversion into lithocholic acid (Plumbs, 2017). It has been shown that antacids containing aluminum and cholestyramine can bind to ursodiol and lower the effectiveness of its intended results. It is recommended to be taken with food because it can dissolve more rapidly in presence of bile.

Ursodiol Solutions for Small Pets

Ursodiol comes commercially in tablet strengths of 250mg and 500mg as well as a capsule of 300mg. Compounding veterinary medications fills a large void in small pets because splitting these tablets/capsules can become quite cumbersome or impossible. Pharmacy Solutions has the means to compound precise weight-based formulations of flavored suspensions and capsules specific to your animals.