📋 Indications & Clinical Dosage
*Dissolution of radiolucent gallstones, cholesterol gallstones:*
Adults: 8-12 mg/kg once daily at bedtime, alternatively in two divided dose for up to 2 years; continue treatment for 3-4 months after stones dissolved.
*Primary Biliary cirrhosis:*
Adult: 12-16 mg/kg daily in three divided doses for 3 months, then 12-16 mg/kg once daily at bedtime.
Children: Not recommended.
⛔ Contraindications
Acute inflammation of the gall bladder, biliary colic, inflammatory diseases and other condition of colon, liver and small intestine which interfere with enterohepatic circulation of bile salt, radio-opaque stones, non-functioning gallbladder, chronic liver disease.
⚠️ Precautions & Warnings
Pregnancy, liver disease, peptic ulcer.
🔄 Drug Interactions
Oral contraceptives, oestrogens, cholesterol-lowering agent, cholestyramine, colestipol, charcoal, antacids,
cyclosporin.
⚠️ Adverse Reactions / Side Effects
Diarrhoea, vomiting; rarely, pruritus, urticaria.
📚 Official Regulatory & Clinical References
- Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP): Drug Registration, S.R.O. Price Gazettes & National Essential Medicines List (NEML).
- World Health Organization (WHO): Collaborating Centre for Drug Statistics Methodology (ATC/DDD Index).
- Formulary Standards: British National Formulary (BNF) & Pakistan National Formulary (PNF) guidelines.