Contents
Actigall (ursodiol) Side Effects, Warnings, and Drug Interactions
Actigall (ursodiol) is a naturally-occurring bile acid made by the liver in humans. It is used to dissolve and prevent cholesterol gallstones and to treat primary biliary cirrhosis, a liver disease.
Actigall blocks the liver enzyme that produces cholesterol, reducing its production and cholesterol absorption from the intestine. By decreasing cholesterol concentration in bile, it prevents gallstone formation and promotes their dissolution. Its mechanism in primary biliary cirrhosis is unclear.
Common side effects of Actigall include:
Serious side effects include allergies and reduced white blood cell concentration.
Actigall interacts with aluminum-containing antacids, reducing its absorption and action. It may also be counteracted by estrogens, oral contraceptives, clofibrate, and other cholesterol-reducing drugs.
No adequate studies have been conducted on Actigall in pregnant women. Its secretion in breast milk is unknown, so consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
What are the important side effects of Actigall (ursodiol)?
The most common side effects are:
Serious allergic reactions and reduced white blood cell concentration have also occurred.
Actigall (ursodiol) side effects list for healthcare professionals
The nature and frequency of adverse experiences were similar across all groups.
The following tables provide a comprehensive list of adverse experiences reported with a 5% incidence:
GALLSTONE DISSOLUTION
| Ursodiol 8 -10 mg/kg/day (N = 155) |
Placebo (N= 159) |
|||
| N | % | N | % | |
| Body as a Whole | ||||
| Allergy | 8 | (5.2) | 7 | (4.4) |
| Chest Pain | 5 | (3.2) | 10 | (6.3) |
| Fatigue | 7 | (4.5) | 8 | (5.0) |
| Infection Viral | 30 | (19.4) | 41 | (25.8) |
| Digestive System | ||||
| Abdominal Pain | 67 | (43.2) | 70 | (44.0) |
| Cholecystitis | 8 | (5.2) | 7 | (4.4) |
| Constipation | 15 | (9.7) | 14 | (8.8) |
| Diarrhea | 42 | (27.1) | 34 | (21.4) |
| Dyspepsia | 26 | (16.8) | 18 | (11.3) |
| Flatulence | 12 | (7.7) | 12 | (7.5) |
| Gastrointestinal Disorder | 6 | (3.9) | 8 | (5.0) |
| Nausea | 22 | (14.2) | 27 | (17.0) |
| Vomiting | 15 | (9.7) | 11 | (6.9) |
| Musculoskeletal System | ||||
| Arthralgia | 12 | (7.7) | 24 | (15.1) |
| Arthritis | 9 | (5.8) | 4 | (2.5) |
| Back Pain | 11 | (7.1) | 18 | (11.3) |
| Myalgia | 9 | (5.8) | 9 | (5.7) |
| Nervous System | ||||
| Headache | 28 | (18.1) | 34 | (21.4) |
| Insomnia | 3 | (1.9) | 8 | (5.0) |
| Respiratory System | ||||
| Bronchitis | 10 | (6.5) | 6 | (3.8) |
| Coughing | 11 | (7.1) | 7 | (4.4) |
| Pharyngitis | 13 | (8.4) | 5 | (3.1) |
| Rhinitis | 8 | (5.2) | 11 | (6.9) |
| Sinusitis | 17 | (11.0) | 18 | (11.3) |
| Upper Respiratory Tract Infection | 24 | (15.5) | 21 | (13.2) |
| Urogenital System | ||||
| Urinary Tract Infection | 10 | (6.5) | 7 | (4.4) |
| GALLSTONE PREVENTION | ||||
| Actigall 600 mg (N = 322) |
Placebo (N = 325) |
|||
| N | (%) | N | (%) | |
| Body as a Whole | ||||
| Fatigue | 25 | (7.8) | 33 | (10.2) |
| Infection Viral | 29 | (9.0) | 29 | (8.9) |
| Influenza-like Symptoms | 21 | (6.5) | 19 | (5.8) |
| Digestive System | ||||
| Abdominal Pain | 20 | (6.2) | 39 | (12.0) |
| Constipation | 85 | (26.4) | 72 | (22.2) |
| Diarrhea | 81 | (25.2) | 68 | (20.9) |
| Flatulence | 15 | (4.7) | 24 | (7.4) |
| Nausea | 56 | (17.4) | 43 | (13.2) |
| Vomiting | 44 | (13.7) | 44 | (13.5) |
| Musculoskeletal System | ||||
| Back Pain | 38 | (11.8) | 21 | (6.5) |
| Musculoskeletal Pain | 19 | (5.9) | 15 | (4.6) |
| Nervous System | ||||
| Dizziness | 53 | (16.5) | 42 | (12.9) |
| Headache | 80 | (24.8) | 78 | (24.0) |
| Respiratory System | ||||
| Pharyngitis | 10 | (3.1) | 19 | (5.8) |
| Sinusitis | 17 | (5.3) | 18 | (5.5) |
| Upper Respiratory | ||||
| Tract Infection | 40 | (12.4) | 35 | (10.8) |
| Skin and Appendages | ||||
| Alopecia | 17 | (5.3) | 8 | (2.5) |
| Urogenital System | ||||
| Dysmenorrhea | 18 | (5.6) | 19 | (5.8) |
What drugs interact with Actigall (ursodiol)?
Actigall’s absorption may be reduced by bile acid
