Indications

Dissolution of cholesterol-rich gallstones, Primary biliary cirrhosis, Prophylaxis of gallstones in patients undergoing rapid weight loss

Contraindication

Acute inflammation of gallbladder or biliary tract, occlusion of biliary tract, frequent episodes of biliary colic, radio-opaque calcified gallstones, impaired contractility of gallbladder, non-functioning gallbladder, inflammatory bowel disease, hepatic and intestinal conditions interfering w/ enterohepatic recirculation of bile acids, extrahepatic and intrahepatic cholestasis, ileal resection and stoma, regional ileitis, active duodenal and gastric ulcer; acute, chronic or severe hepatic disease.

Special Precautions

Pregnancy and lactation. Monitoring Parameters Monitor LFTs mthly for the 1st 3 mth and every 6 mth thereafter.

Side Effects

Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, other GI disturbances, pruritus, viral infection, headache, upper resp tract infection, sinusitis, pharyngitis, arthralgia, back pain, cough, bronchitis, UTI, arthritis, myalgia, cholecystitis, rhinitis, fatigue, dysmenorrhoea, musculoskeletal pain, asthenia, peripheral oedema, HTN. Rarely, gallstone calcification, liver function deterioration.

Drug Interactions

Reduced absorption w/ Al-containing antacids, bile acid sequestrants (e.g. cholestyramine, colestipol), charcoal. Possibly reduced efficacy w/ clofibrate, oestrogens and OCs. May increase the absorption of ciclosporin.

Route of Administration

Oral

Dosage

As directed by the physician