Dexochol 150 mg contains ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), a naturally occurring bile acid used in the treatment of various hepatobiliary disorders. It is primarily prescribed for conditions involving impaired bile flow, cholesterol gallstones, and chronic liver diseases. By modifying bile composition and protecting liver cells, Dexochol plays an important role in improving liver function and reducing disease progression.

রেজিস্টার্ড চিকিৎসকের পরামর্শ অনুযায়ী ঔষধ সেবন করুন

Indications

Dexochol 150 mg is indicated for the treatment of:

• Cholestasis (including jaundice)

• Acute Viral Hepatitis

• Alcoholic Fatty Liver

• Primary Biliary Cirrhosis (PBC)

• Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC)

• Dissolution of cholesterol gallstones

• Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH)

It is widely used in both acute and chronic liver conditions where bile flow is impaired or bile composition is abnormal.

Therapeutic Class

• Anti-gallstones drugs

• Bile Acids

Pharmacology

Dexochol 150 mg (ursodeoxycholic acid) works through multiple mechanisms to improve liver and gallbladder health:

1. Reduction of Cholesterol in Bile

It decreases cholesterol saturation in bile by:

• Reducing intestinal absorption of cholesterol

• Suppressing hepatic cholesterol synthesis

• Not inhibiting bile acid synthesis

This changes bile from a cholesterol-supersaturated state to an unsaturated state, helping dissolve cholesterol gallstones.

2. Gallstone Dissolution

Dexochol promotes the formation of liquid cholesterol crystal complexes, enhancing the removal of cholesterol from the gallbladder into the intestine for elimination.

3. Liver Protective Effects

In cholestatic liver diseases, Dexochol:

• Protects cholangiocytes from the toxic effects of hydrophobic bile acids

• Stimulates hepatobiliary secretion

• Protects hepatocytes from bile acid-induced apoptosis

Pharmacokinetics

• Completely absorbed in the upper intestine

• Time to peak serum concentration: 30–150 minutes

• Absorption rate: 60–80%

• After absorption, it enters the portal circulation and is extracted by the liver

• Conjugated with glycine or taurine and secreted into bile

• Small amounts enter systemic circulation; minimal urinary excretion

• Biological half-life: 3.5–5.8 days

Dosage & Administration

Dosage varies depending on the condition:

• Gallstone dissolution: 8–12 mg/kg/day (single nighttime dose or divided doses)

• Primary Biliary Cirrhosis (PBC): 10–15 mg/kg/day in 2–4 divided doses

• Acute Viral Hepatitis: 600 mg/day

• Alcoholic Fatty Liver: 300 mg/day

• Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC): 25–30 mg/kg/day

• Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH): 13–15 mg/kg/day

The dosage should always be determined by a physician based on body weight and disease severity.

রেজিস্টার্ড চিকিৎসকের পরামর্শ অনুযায়ী ঔষধ সেবন করুন

Drug Interactions

Dexochol 150 mg should not be used with:

• Estrogenic hormones, which increase bile cholesterol levels

• Bile acid-binding agents such as cholestyramine, antacids, or activated charcoal, as they may reduce effectiveness

Patients should inform their doctor about all medications being taken.

Contraindications

Dexochol 150 mg is contraindicated in:

• Non-functioning gallbladder

• Calcified or pigmented gallstones

• Inflammatory bowel disease

• Known hypersensitivity to the drug

Side Effects

Commonly reported side effects include:

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Gallstone opacification

• Pruritus (itching)

Most side effects are mild and manageable.

Pregnancy & Lactation

• Pregnancy Category B

• No evidence of harm reported during pregnancy

• Widely used in cholestasis of pregnancy during the last trimester

• No documented problems in breastfeeding mothers

However, use should always be under medical supervision.

Precautions & Warnings

• Use cautiously in patients with advanced liver disease

• Regular monitoring of liver function tests may be recommended during prolonged therapy

Storage Conditions

• Store below 25°C

• Protect from light and moisture

• Keep out of reach of children.