Ursodeoxycholic acid

Bile acid
PRESCRIPTION ONLY IN INDIA

Ursodeoxycholic acid is a bile acid found in 13 medicines sold in India, such as Udiliv 300, Ursocol 300, Udiliv 150. Below: what it is for, how it works, how to take it, side effects, interactions and pregnancy advice.

Also called: ursodiol, udca

What it is used for

Helps dissolve some gallstones and supports bile flow in certain liver conditions.

How it works

A natural bile acid that makes bile less likely to form cholesterol gallstones and improves bile flow in some liver diseases.

How to take it

Taken with food, usually at the evening meal or in divided doses, often for months; follow your specialist's plan.

Common side effects

  • Diarrhoea
  • Stomach discomfort

Get medical help straight away if

  • Severe pain in the upper right tummy
  • Yellow skin

Be careful

Can cause loose motions.

Other medicines and interactions

Aluminium antacids and colestyramine reduce absorption; separate doses. Can change ciclosporin levels.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Used in pregnancy for itching of pregnancy (obstetric cholestasis) under specialist care. Considered acceptable while breastfeeding.

Brands of Ursodeoxycholic acid (13)

Golbi 300Hepakind-300Sedogest-300Udiliv 150Udiliv 300Udiliv 450Ulyses 300Ursetor 300Ursobiac 300Ursocad 300Ursocol 300Ursokem-300Ursomax-300

Common questions

What is Ursodeoxycholic acid used for?

Helps dissolve some gallstones and supports bile flow in certain liver conditions.

How does Ursodeoxycholic acid work?

A natural bile acid that makes bile less likely to form cholesterol gallstones and improves bile flow in some liver diseases.

How should I take Ursodeoxycholic acid?

Taken with food, usually at the evening meal or in divided doses, often for months; follow your specialist's plan.

What are the side effects of Ursodeoxycholic acid?

Common: Diarrhoea, stomach discomfort. Get help straight away for: Severe pain in the upper right tummy, yellow skin.

Does Ursodeoxycholic acid interact with other medicines?

Aluminium antacids and colestyramine reduce absorption; separate doses. Can change ciclosporin levels.

Is Ursodeoxycholic acid safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Used in pregnancy for itching of pregnancy (obstetric cholestasis) under specialist care. Considered acceptable while breastfeeding.

Does Ursodeoxycholic acid need a prescription in India?

Yes. In India it is a prescription (Schedule H) medicine, so a pharmacist should sell it only with a doctor's prescription.

Which brands contain Ursodeoxycholic acid?

Golbi 300, Hepakind-300, Sedogest-300, Udiliv 150, Udiliv 300, Udiliv 450, Ulyses 300, Ursetor 300, Ursobiac 300, Ursocad 300, Ursocol 300, Ursokem-300, Ursomax-300.

Sources and further reading

NHS (UK National Health Service) and MedlinePlus (US National Library of Medicine) are free, reviewed medicine guides. Brand names and doses there may differ from India.

Last reviewed 31 October 2026. Written by Satya Babu from standard prescribing information.

🔎 Search another medicine

For information only, not medical advice. This page is a plain-language summary written from standard prescribing information and the public guides linked below. Brands sometimes change their formula, so always check the composition printed on the pack. Doses here are typical adult doses; yours may differ. Do not start, stop or change a medicine without your doctor or pharmacist, and keep all medicines away from children. In an emergency, call 112 (India) or your local emergency number.