Ursofalc

Ursofalk has a wide range of actions - it has a hepatoprotective, cholelitholytic, and immunomodulatory mechanism of action. At the same time, this drug contributes to a significant decrease in blood cholesterol levels.

Indications Ursofalc

The drug Ursofalk is prescribed for the treatment of gallbladder or liver disorders, which are characterized by increased cholesterol levels, cholestasis, as well as liver dysfunction, including:

• reflux gastritis, PBC of the liver and biliary reflux esophagitis;
• primary sclerosing cholangitis;
• hepatitis of various origins (including disorders in acute or chronic (accompanied by manifestations of cholestasis) forms, as well as CAH - chronic inflammation of the liver, which is in a progressive stage);
• cholesterol stones in the gallbladder (the medicine should be taken only if their diameter is a maximum of 15 mm, the stones themselves are radiolucent, and the patient has no problems with the functioning of the gallbladder).

The following diseases are also indications for use of the drug:

• Cystic fibrosis;
• Liver damage caused by toxins as a result of acute or chronic alcohol poisoning;
• Liver dysfunction in a child accompanied by cholestasis, biliary atresia;
• Dysfunction of the bile ducts;
• The drug can be used as a means of eliminating bile stasis that occurs during parenteral nutrition or after liver transplant surgery;
• It can be prescribed as a prophylactic agent when taking medications (for example, hormonal contraceptives or those with a cholestatic effect) to prevent the risk of liver damage;
• As a preventive measure against the development of malignant neoplasms of the colon in people at risk.

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Release form

Capsules - 10 pcs. on a blister, 1 blister pack in a pack; 25 pcs. on a blister, 2-4 blister plates in a pack.

Suspensions intended for oral administration - 250 ml bottle, 1-2 bottles in a pack. Additionally, the kit includes a measuring spoon.

Pharmacodynamics

The drug is used to protect liver function and has a choleretic effect. Reduces the absorption of cholesterol in the intestine, its synthesis in the liver, and its saturation in bile. Promotes the formation and excretion of bile and increases the solubility of cholesterol. Reduces the lithogenicity of bile and at the same time increases the content of other bile acids in it. Activates lipase, increases the secretion of pancreatic and gastric juice, causes a hypoglycemic effect. Enteral use promotes complete or fragmentary dissolution of cholesterol stones and reduces the concentration of cholesterol in bile, thereby stimulating its excretion from gallstones. Due to the immunomodulatory effect, the drug affects the immunological reactions occurring in the liver: reduces the expression of antigens in hepatocytes, affects the production of T-lymphocytes, and the formation of IL-2. In addition, it reduces the number of eosinophils.

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Pharmacokinetics

It is absorbed in the jejunum by passive transport; in the ileum – by active transport. A single dose of 500 mg taken orally after half an hour/1 hour/1.5 hours will reach the following saturation values in the blood serum, respectively: 3.8/5.5/3.7 μmol/liter. If UDCA is taken regularly, it will become the predominant bile acid in the blood serum (48% of their total amount). It enters the enterohepatic circulation system. The therapeutic properties of Ursofalk depend on the concentration level of UDCA acid in bile. During treatment, the UDCA particle (according to the dosage) in the group of bile acids increases to 50-75% (if the daily dosage is approximately 10-20 mg/kilogram). The substance can pass through the placenta.

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Dosing and administration

It is taken orally, the capsule does not need to be chewed, just washed down with water. In case of single use, it is recommended to take the medicine in the evening. For children or patients experiencing problems with swallowing, the drug is prescribed in the form of a suspension.

The duration of the treatment therapy, as well as the dosage, are prescribed by the attending physician on an individual basis. They depend on the personal characteristics of the patient's body, as well as the nature of the disease.

In liver diseases (in acute or chronic form), including cholelithiasis, the drug is prescribed in a dosage of 10-15 mg / kg of weight per day. Treatment usually lasts at least six months, and a maximum of 2 years, it is not recommended to interrupt the drug during this time. During the treatment of cholelithiasis, it is necessary to monitor the condition of the stones - if after 1 year of treatment there is no reduction, you should stop taking Ursofalk.

For reflux esophagitis or biliary bile reflux gastritis, the dosage is 250 mg 1 time per day, preferably in the evening. The duration of therapy is 10-14 days.

In biliary cirrhosis or sclerosing cholangitis, the daily dosage is often 10-15 mg/kg of weight. If necessary, the dosage can be increased to 20 mg/kg of weight. The treatment course lasts from six months to 2 years.

In cystic fibrosis, the daily dosage is 20-30 mg/kg of weight. The therapeutic course also continues for at least six months, maximum – 2 years.

In case of alcohol poisoning (in acute or chronic form) or liver damage by toxins, the dosage is 10-15 mg/kg of weight per day. The duration of the treatment course is made individually, but on average it lasts about six months to a year.

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Use Ursofalc during pregnancy

It is absorbed in the jejunum by passive transport; in the ileum – by active transport. A single dose of 500 mg taken orally after half an hour/1 hour/1.5 hours will reach the following saturation values in the blood serum, respectively: 3.8/5.5/3.7 μmol/liter. If UDCA is taken regularly, it will become the predominant bile acid in the blood serum (48% of their total amount). It enters the enterohepatic circulation system. The therapeutic properties of Ursofalk depend on the concentration level of UDCA acid in bile. During treatment, the UDCA particle (according to the dosage) in the group of bile acids increases to 50-75% (if the daily dosage is approximately 10-20 mg/kilogram). The substance can pass through the placenta.

Contraindications

It is prohibited to take the medicine if there is a high individual sensitivity to any of its elements.

It should also not be prescribed to patients with cholangitis, acute cholecystitis, or cystic/bile duct obstruction. It is contraindicated in cases of gallbladder dysfunction or biliary colic. Ursofalk should not be prescribed to patients with calcified or radiologically confirmed gallstones.

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Side effects Ursofalc

The drug is generally tolerated without side effects, but sometimes the process of calcification of gallstones, pain in the epigastrium or mushy stool may be observed. Allergies (urticaria, itching) may occur. Patients with PBC of the liver experienced a deterioration in their health, which returned to normal after discontinuation of the drug.

Overdose

There have been no reports of overdose to date.

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Interactions with other drugs

Combination of Ursofalk with antacid drugs containing aluminum hydroxide, and also with colestipol or cholestyramine causes a decrease in the systemic absorption of UDCA. If simultaneous administration is necessary, the drugs should be taken with at least 2-hour intervals between doses.

In combination with cyclosporine, it may change its concentration in plasma. Therefore, in case of interaction with this drug, it is necessary to carefully monitor cyclosporine levels in the blood and adjust the dosage, if necessary.

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Storage conditions

The medicine should be kept in a completely dry place, protected from direct sunlight. The air temperature should not exceed 25 °C.

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Shelf life

Ursofalk can be used for 5 years from the date of manufacture.

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