Ursofalk - the trade name of the drug. The active ingredient is ursodeoxycholic acid, which they learned to secrete from the bile of a brown bear.
pharmachologic effect
According to the pharmacological group belongs to the hepatoprotectors. Provides hepatoprotective (restores the protective function of liver cells - hepatocytes) and choleretic (stimulates the production of bile) action.
In the liver, a decrease in cholesterol synthesis occurs, its absorption in the small intestine is inhibited. In the ducts of the biliary system, the solubility of cholesterol increases, its production and secretion increases.
The composition of bile changes due to a larger number of fatty acids, which contributes to a decrease in lithogenic properties (prevention of stone formation and dissolution of existing ones up to 1 mm in diameter). On the part of the pancreas and stomach, secretion increases, lipase has a greater activity and lowers the level of glucose in the blood (hypoglycemic effect).
As a result of a combination of all the described properties, cholesterol stones with a diameter of not more than 1 mm dissolve completely or partially. There is an outflow of cholesterol from gallstones to bile. It acts as an immunomodulator, it has a positive effect on the course of immunological reactions.
Composition, release form, leave from pharmacies
In the composition of Ursofalk, the main active ingredient is ursodeoxycholic acid. 1 capsule or 1 scoop of suspension contains 250 mg of the substance. The composition of the capsule includes the following additional components: starch, E551, stearic acid, Ti dioxide, zoogen, distilled water, sodium salt of lauryl sulfuric acid.
The composition of the suspension includes the following additional components: monobasic carbonic substance, distilled water, natural sweetener, glycerin alcohol, cellulose, E1520, E331, E952, E330, lemon flavoring.
The drug has a capsular and suspension release form. For children under three years old, a suspension dosage form is preferred to facilitate the administration of the drug. Suspensions are also prescribed to people of asthenic physique weighing less than 47 kg or to persons suffering from a body weight deficit less than 34 kg.
The preparation in the form of capsules has the following description: solid, gelatinous, opaque; inside the capsule are white granules or powder. Available in blisters of 10 or 25 capsules. Carton packs contain 1, 2 or 4 blisters.
The suspension has a white color and a uniform consistency, lemon flavor and contains small air bubbles.
Prescription drug is released.
Indications and contraindications for use
Indications
The drug is used for lysis of gallstones of cholesterol composition, if their diameter does not exceed 1 mm. To mitigate and alleviate the symptoms, it is prescribed for biliary reflux esophagitis, biliary cirrhosis of the liver, if there is no decompensation syndrome. Also successfully used in the treatment of the following diseases:
- inflammation of the liver of infectious and non-infectious genesis (chronic hepatitis);
- sclerosing cholangitis (primary), cystic fibrosis;
- non-alcoholic steatohepatitis;
- alcoholism (alcoholic liver disease);
- difficulty of motility of the gallbladder biliary tract.
Contraindications
Ursofalk is absolutely contraindicated for the following diseases:
- positive x-ray studies of high calcium gallstones;
- absence or dysfunction of the gallbladder;
- acute cholecystitis, cholangitis in the acute phase of the course, acute gastritis;
- decompensatory stage of liver cirrhosis;
- severe liver and kidney dysfunctions;
- the period of pregnancy and breastfeeding (lactation);
- hypersensitivity to the drug.
Instructions for use for children and adults
Adults are given Ursofalk capsule form.
However, with insufficient muscle mass and weight less than 34 kg, the suspension form of the drug is shown to adults.
Dosed drug for adults and children, based on body weight.
Table Ursofalka capsules for adults:
| Body weight, kg | Daily dose, mg |
|---|---|
| Up to 60 | 2x250 = 500 |
| 61-80 | 3x250 = 750 |
| 81-100 | 4x250 = 1000 |
| Over 100 | 5x250 = 1250 |
Ursofalka intake suspension table for adults:
| Body weight, kg | Dose per day, ml | Measuring spoons (respectively), pcs. |
|---|---|---|
| 26-35 | 1.5x250 = 375 | 1,5 |
| 36-50 | 2x250 = 500 | 2 |
| 51-65 | 2.5x250 = 625 | 2,5 |
| 66-80 | 3x250 = 750 | 3 |
| 81-100 | 4x250 = 1000 | 4 |
| Over 100 | 5x250 = 1250 | 5 |
Children from 6 years old may be prescribed in capsule form. But preferably the appointment in the form of suspensions.
Application table of Ursofalk in suspension for children:
| Body weight, kg | Dose per day, ml | Measuring spoons (respectively), pcs. |
|---|---|---|
| 5-7 | 0.25x250 = 62.5 | ¼ |
| 8-12 | 0.5x250 = 50 | ½ |
| 13-18 | 0.75x250 = 187.5 | ¾ |
| 19-25 | 1.5x250 = 375 | 1,5 |
Apply the drug once at night before meals, washed down with a sufficient amount of liquid. Capsules do not need to chew, swallowed whole.
Instructions for use for newborns
Appointed in the form of suspensions to eliminate the symptoms of physiological jaundice of newborns in order to reduce the concentration of indirect bilirubin in the blood.
Treatment with the drug almost always gives a quick positive effect. Extremely rare adverse reactions: allergies, regurgitation, dyspeptic disorders. Symptoms of side effects pass with a decrease in dose or withdrawal of the drug.
Side effects, overdose
Most often, the drug is well tolerated by the body. Very rarely side effects occur:
- disorders of the gastrointestinal tract: digestive disorders, nausea, diarrhea;
- pain on the right side of the liver and epigastrium (epigastric region);
- allergic reactions (redness, itching, flaking of the skin);
- increased activity of liver transaminases;
- increased calcification of bile stones.
Laboratory and clinical studies have not identified cases of drug overdose. In case of excessive drug intake, withdrawal or alleviation of symptoms is indicated.
Drug interaction
Drugs that contain smectite or Al hydroxide, reduce the process of absorption of ursodeoxycholic acid, therefore, decreases the effectiveness of Ursofalk.
In cases where treatment with such drugs is necessary, they should be taken at least 2-3 hours before Ursofalk.
Cyclosporine in combination with Ursofalk is absorbed more strongly. In these cases, control of cyclosporine in the blood is necessary for adequate dosing of the drug. The decrease in lithogenicity of Ursofalk (a decrease in its properties to dissolve cholesterol stones) was observed when the drug was co-administered with progestins, estrogens, Clofibrate and neomycin.
special instructions
It is important to diagnose the composition and size of gallstones before the start of the Ursofalk course. This drug is effective only against X-ray calculus of cholesterol origin, having a size of not more than 1-2 cm.
Constant monitoring of hepatic amylases during the course of the drug is important. Cholecystography is shown monthly. Once in six months, an ultrasound diagnosis is appointed. With positive dynamics, therapy is prolonged for three months.
It is not recommended to take the drug when planning pregnancy. There were no clinical trials of the drug during pregnancy. The ability of ursodeoxycholic acid to penetrate the placenta barrier has also not been studied.
The action of ursodeoxycholic acid does not lead to mutagenicity and teratogenicity of the fetus. It is possible to prescribe the drug to pregnant women if the expected effect is higher than the potential risks.
The price of the drug and analogues
The medicine with the original name URSOFALK is produced by German companies. The minimum price in Russia for a package with 1 blister (250 mg, 10 capsules) is 230 rubles, a package for 50 capsules costs between 939 rubles and 1,870 rubles - 100 capsules. The cost of a suspension of 250 mg per 5 ml, 250 ml starts from 980-1190 rubles in Russia.
In Ukraine, the cost of capsules of the original drug 10 capsules of 250 mg starts from 130 UAH., 50 capsules - 600 UAH., 100 capsules - 1150 UAH. Prices for suspensions range from 740 UAH. (250 mg per 5 ml, 250 ml).
Analogs of Ursofalk are Peponen (600 mg No. 60 from 650 rubles in Russia, from 330 UAH in Ukraine), Exhol (250 mg No. 10 from 140 rubles in Russia), Ursosan (250 mg No. 10 from 180 rubles in Russia and 115 UAH in Ukraine), Heptral (930 UAH. in Ukraine), Ursodez (250 mg No. 50 in Russia from 610 rubles).
Reviews
My x-ray revealed 12 cholesterol stones with a diameter of 1 to 13 mm. The doctor immediately appointed Ursofalk and diet. Diet is very important in the treatment of this drug, otherwise there will be a positive effect (as the doctor explained to me). You can not take alcohol, so as not to further burden the liver. You can not eat fatty and spicy, fried. You can gruel, soup, boiled meat, fish. For a whole year I saw Ursofalk and kept a diet. Twice a year did ultrasound. The result struck me! There are 5 stones left with a diameter of not more than 5 mm! The doctor said to continue the course for another 6 months. At the last ultrasound, a miracle happened - all the stones were dissolved! And this is without surgery!
Inga, 36 years old, Omsk
The doctor advised me to solve my gall bladder problems with the help of Ursofalk. I had stagnation, the bile did not come out. While taking the drug, my condition became much better. At the end of the course I decided to take another self-medicate and became interested in folk medicine. After completing the course, it became worse again. I advise everyone to go to the doctor and drink only those drugs that he prescribes. I was assigned a second course Ursofalk. I cut it again and no longer "freak" with my grandmother's recipes. An ultrasound showed that my gallstone functions much better!
Olga, 42, Mytishchi
Husband 48 years old, was a stone, appointed Ursofalk. I heard a lot about him, everyone praised. At first there was pain while taking the drug, but then my husband felt much better. Ultrasounds were done during treatment, controlled. The stone decreased, and then disappeared.
Irina, 40 years old, Kaliningrad
We have not passed the jaundice. The doctor at the hospital prescribed Ursofalk and sunbathe under the lamp. In the hospital there were only capsules, they said to give 1/5 for the night for a whole month. But she is bitter, the daughter all spat out. The husband brought the same drug in suspension, everything went fine. Then the truth cried after taking because of the formation of gas in the tummy. So I began to give her some more dill water, it was all over. But now we have pink cheeks. Thanks Ursofalka!
Ekaterina, 27 years old, Moscow
Additional information about the drugs used in cholelithiasis is in the following video.
