Ursodeoxycholic acid (Ursodiol)
Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), also known as ursodiol, is a relatively hydrophilic bile acid used primarily for its cytoprotective effects in the biliary system. It protects hepatocytes from toxic hydrophobic bile acids, stimulates bile flow (choleretic), and has immunomodulatory and anti-apoptotic properties. **Clinical Pearl:** Highly effective in the management of chronic hepatitis, cholangitis, and gallbladder sludge. > **Warning:** Contraindicated in patients with complete biliary obstruction.
Mecanismo: UDCA is a hydrophilic bile acid that **inhibits ileal absorption** of toxic, hydrophobic bile acids → reduces their concentration in the systemic bile acid pool. Hydrophobic bile acids are toxic to hepatobiliary cell membranes and potentiate cholestasis. UDCA also stimulates **biliary secretion** (choleretic effect), protects hepatocyte membranes from detergent effects, and exerts **immunomodulatory** and **anti-apoptotic** effects on liver cells.
Dosificación por especie
- Hepatobiliary disease / Cholestasis · 10-15 mg/kg · PO · q24h or divided q12h · Long-term · Administer with food to enhance absorption.
- Hepatobiliary disease / Cholangitis · 10-15 mg/kg · PO · q24h or divided q12h · Long-term · Administer with food to enhance absorption.
Las dosis son una referencia clínica para veterinarios colegiados. Confirme siempre con la ficha técnica vigente y el paciente individual.
Vías de administración
Contraindicaciones
- Complete extrahepatic biliary obstruction
- Biliary fistulas
- Severe acute hepatitis
- Cholecystitis
Efectos adversos
- Mild gastrointestinal upset (diarrhea, vomiting)
- Hepatotoxicity (rare, typically only if administered during biliary obstruction)
Interacciones farmacológicas
- Aluminum-based antacids · May bind to UDCA in the GI tract, decreasing its absorption and efficacy. · moderate
- Cholestyramine · Binds to UDCA, significantly decreasing its absorption. · major
- Colestipol · Binds to UDCA, significantly decreasing its absorption. · major
Monitorización
- Liver enzymes (ALT, AST, ALP, GGT)
- Total bilirubin
- Serum bile acids
- Clinical signs of liver disease (jaundice, vomiting, lethargy)
Sobredosis
Acute overdosage is unlikely to cause severe toxicity but may result in diarrhea. Treatment is symptomatic and supportive.
La referencia de fármacos de VetSheet está destinada a veterinarios colegiados como apoyo a la decisión clínica, no sustituye el juicio profesional ni la ficha técnica vigente del fabricante.