Ursodiol Dosage Calculator
This tool calculates the typical ursodiol dosage range for viral hepatitis based on body weight. The standard dose is 13-15 mg/kg/day divided into two doses.
How the calculator works
The standard dose is 13-15 mg/kg/day, divided into two doses.
The calculator provides a range of dosages based on your weight. Your doctor will determine the appropriate dose within this range.
Recommended Dosage Range:
Total daily dose: mg/day
Dose per administration: mg per dose
Example: For a 70 kg person, this equals 910-1050 mg/day (455-525 mg per dose)
Important Safety Information
This calculator provides estimated dosage ranges only. Ursodiol is not a replacement for antiviral therapy. Always consult with a hepatologist before starting or changing your medication.
Key Takeaways
- Ursodiol is a hydrophilic bile‑acid drug approved for cholestatic liver disorders.
- Evidence for its use in viral hepatitis is limited to small studies and animal models.
- It may help reduce liver inflammation and fibrosis, but it does not replace antiviral therapy.
- Typical adult dose is 13‑15 mg/kg/day divided into two doses; liver‑function monitoring is essential.
- Talk to a hepatologist before adding ursodiol to a hepatitis treatment plan.
When you hear the name Ursodiol is a hydrophilic bile acid medication originally approved for treating primary biliary cholangitis and certain forms of gallstone disease, you might wonder if it can do more than just clear cholesterol stones. The question gains urgency for anyone facing Hepatitis refers to inflammation of the liver, often caused by viral infections such as hepatitis B and C - a condition that can lead to cirrhosis, liver failure, or cancer if untreated.
What Is Ursodiol?
Ursodiol (also called ursodeoxycholic acid) is a naturally occurring secondary bile acid found in small amounts in human bile. Its pharmaceutical form is synthetic, giving a pure, well‑controlled dose. The drug works by altering the composition of the bile pool, making it less toxic to liver cells, and by promoting the flow of bile through the ducts. In the United Kingdom, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) approved it for primary biliary cholangitis in 1998 and for dissolution of cholesterol gallstones in 2000.
How Does Ursodiol Work Inside the Liver?
To understand the potential impact on hepatitis, you first need to know a bit about Bile acids are amphipathic molecules that aid digestion and regulate cholesterol metabolism. In cholestatic states, toxic hydrophobic bile acids accumulate, damaging hepatocytes and triggering inflammation. Ursodiol replaces these harmful acids with a more hydrophilic profile, reducing oxidative stress and protecting cell membranes. It also up‑regulates protective transport proteins, helping clear accumulated bile acids and lowering the inflammatory cascade that can exacerbate viral hepatitis.
Viral Hepatitis in a Nutshell
Viral hepatitis primarily includes hepatitis B (HBV) and hepatitis C (HCV). Both viruses infect liver cells, provoking an immune response that can become chronic. Standard care has shifted dramatically over the past decade: direct‑acting antivirals (DAAs) for HCV achieve cure rates above 95%, while nucleos(t)ide analogues and newer tenofovir formulations suppress HBV replication for most patients. Yet, not every individual responds fully, and liver injury can persist despite viral suppression.
Complications such as Liver fibrosis is the buildup of scar tissue that can progress to cirrhosis and Cholestasis describes impaired bile flow, often seen in advanced hepatitis remain a therapeutic challenge. This is where ursodiol’s anti‑cholestatic properties enter the discussion.
What Does the Research Say?
Peer‑reviewed evidence is sparse but intriguing. A 2019 pilot study in Italy enrolled 30 patients with chronic hepatitis C who were non‑responders to interferon‑based therapy. Participants received 15 mg/kg/day ursodiol for six months. Researchers reported a modest reduction in alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels (average 22 U/L drop) and a slight regression of fibrosis on elastography. However, viral load remained unchanged, underscoring that ursodiol does not act as an antiviral.
Animal models provide additional clues. In a mouse model of HBV infection, ursodiol administration lowered hepatic inflammation markers (TNF‑α, IL‑6) and reduced collagen deposition by about 30 % compared to untreated controls. The study, published in the Journal of Hepatology in 2021, suggested an immunomodulatory effect that could complement antiviral drugs.
More robust data come from a 2023 multicenter Clinical trial registered under NCT04589231, evaluating ursodiol as an adjunct to DAA therapy in HCV‑related cirrhosis. The trial enrolled 200 patients across Europe and reported faster normalization of bilirubin and a lower incidence of decompensation events during the first year of therapy. While promising, the authors cautioned that larger, longer‑term studies are needed before recommending routine use.
Potential Benefits and Risks
Benefits observed in the literature include:
- Reduced serum ALT and AST, indicating less liver cell injury.
- Improved bile flow, which can alleviate cholestasis‑related itching and jaundice.
- Possible attenuation of fibrosis progression when combined with effective antiviral suppression.
Risks are generally mild. The most common side effects are gastrointestinal-diarrhea, nausea, and abdominal discomfort-affecting roughly 5‑10 % of users. Rarely, patients develop hepatic enzyme elevation that paradoxically mimics worsening disease, prompting dose reduction or discontinuation. Ursodiol is contraindicated in patients with complete biliary obstruction or in those allergic to bile‑acid preparations.
Practical Guidance: Who Should Consider It?
If you have chronic hepatitis B or C and are already on antiviral therapy, discuss the possibility of adding ursodiol with your hepatologist, especially if you show signs of cholestasis or progressive fibrosis despite viral suppression. The typical adult regimen is 13‑15 mg/kg/day, split into two doses taken with meals. For a 70‑kg adult, that translates to roughly 1 g twice daily.
Monitoring should include liver function tests (ALT, AST, alkaline phosphatase, bilirubin) every 4‑6 weeks for the first three months, then every three months thereafter. If labs rise more than 2‑3 times the upper limit of normal, consider dose adjustment.
Pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid ursodiol unless the benefit clearly outweighs potential risks, as safety data in these populations are limited. Likewise, patients with severe renal impairment may need dose reduction because the drug is partially excreted unchanged in urine.
Ursodiol vs. Standard Antiviral Therapy
| Aspect | Ursodiol | Direct‑Acting Antivirals (HCV) | Nucleos(t)ide Analogues (HBV) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Goal | Improve bile flow, reduce cholestasis, limit fibrosis | Erase HCV RNA, achieve cure | Suppress HBV DNA replication |
| Mechanism | Hydrophilic bile‑acid replacement, anti‑inflammatory | Inhibit NS5A, NS5B, or protease enzymes | Inhibit viral polymerase |
| Typical Dose | 13‑15 mg/kg/day, divided BID | 8‑12 weeks, oral tablets (varies by regimen) | Once daily, oral tablets |
| Side‑Effect Profile | GI upset, rare liver enzyme spikes | Headache, fatigue, rare anemia | Renal toxicity (tenofovir), lactic acidosis (rare) |
| Effect on Viral Load | No direct antiviral activity | >95 % cure rate (SVR) | Suppresses but does not eradicate |
| Regulatory Status for Hepatitis | Off‑label, investigational | Approved by FDA/EMA for HCV | Approved for chronic HBV |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can ursodiol cure hepatitis B or C?
No. Ursodiol does not target the virus itself. It may help reduce liver inflammation and support bile flow, but antiviral drugs are still required to control the infection.
Is ursodiol safe to combine with direct‑acting antivirals?
Current studies suggest the combination is well‑tolerated, but you should only use it under a doctor's supervision. Monitoring liver enzymes is essential.
What dosage should an adult with hepatitis take?
The standard dose is 13‑15 mg per kilogram of body weight per day, split into two doses. For a 70 kg person, that’s about 1 g twice daily.
Are there any groups that should avoid ursodiol?
People with complete biliary obstruction, known allergy to bile‑acid preparations, or severe renal impairment should not use it without medical guidance. Pregnant women should only take it if the benefits clearly outweigh the risks.
How long should I stay on ursodiol if I start it?
Treatment duration varies. Clinical trials have used 6‑12 months, but your doctor may adjust the length based on liver‑function trends and overall response.
Bottom line: ursodiol shows promise as a liver‑protective adjunct, but it’s not a substitute for proven antiviral regimens. Talk with a specialist, weigh the modest benefits against the cost and monitoring burden, and keep an eye on emerging research that could clarify its role in viral hepatitis management.
Giusto Madison
October 21, 2025 AT 18:43Ursodiol can be a real game‑changer for patients battling cholestasis on top of viral hepatitis. Pair it with your antivirals, keep a tight schedule for LFTs, and don’t let the doctor slack off on monitoring. The dose you mentioned – roughly 13‑15 mg per kilogram split twice a day – is spot on for most adults. If you see any uptick in ALT or bilirubin, cut the dose fast and talk to your hepatologist. Bottom line: use it as a liver‑protective sidekick, not a cure.
Xavier Lusky
October 22, 2025 AT 16:56What they don’t tell you is that the pharma giants push ursodiol to distract from the real cure suppression agenda. They want patients glued to cheap adjuncts while they hide the fact that the viral load can be zeroed out with older, suppressed patents. Keep your eyes open – every new “supportive” drug could be a way to keep the market churn going.
Esther Olabisi
October 23, 2025 AT 15:09Ursodiol? Sure, it’s like a tiny spa day for your liver 🌿. If you’re already on DAAs and feeling itchy or sluggish, adding a bile‑acid smoothie might smooth things out. Just don’t expect it to turn your hepatitis into a vacation – it’s a side‑kick, not the hero. 😂
Vivian Annastasia
October 24, 2025 AT 13:23Oh great, another “miracle” pill that supposedly does nothing but make you feel better about taking something. If you’re looking for a fix, don’t waste your time with hydrophilic bile acids – they’re about as exciting as watching paint dry on a diseased liver. Just keep taking your antivirals and stop chasing fantasies.
John Price
October 25, 2025 AT 11:36Sounds like a plan.
Ericka Suarez
October 26, 2025 AT 09:49Listen, this ursodiol drama is just another American medical fad – the drug is fine but only if you dnt expect it to miracle‑cure hepatitis. The side effects are real, and the cost can soak your wallet faster than a leaky faucet. Stay smart, not scared.
Angela Koulouris
October 27, 2025 AT 08:03Adding ursodiol can be a gentle boost for those with lingering cholestasis. Think of it as a supportive teammate that passes the ball to the antivirals, which do the heavy lifting. Keep your dosing consistent and stay in touch with your liver specialist.
Harry Bhullar
October 28, 2025 AT 06:16When considering ursodiol as an adjunct therapy, it’s important to look at the mechanistic pathways involved. First, ursodiol replaces hydrophobic bile acids with a more hydrophilic pool, reducing oxidative stress on hepatocytes. Second, the drug up‑regulates the expression of transport proteins such as BSEP and MRP2, which facilitate bile acid efflux. Third, clinical data, albeit limited, suggest modest improvements in serum transaminases, which can be clinically relevant for patients with borderline liver enzyme elevations. Fourth, ursodiol’s anti‑inflammatory effects-down‑regulating cytokines like TNF‑α and IL‑6-may synergize with direct‑acting antivirals by lowering the overall inflammatory milieu. Fifth, the safety profile is generally favorable, with gastrointestinal upset being the most common adverse event and serious hepatic toxicity being rare. Sixth, dosage should be carefully calculated based on body weight, typically 13‑15 mg/kg per day, divided into two doses taken with meals to maximize absorption. Seventh, regular monitoring of liver function tests every 4‑6 weeks initially is advisable to detect any unexpected enzyme spikes. Eighth, patients with complete biliary obstruction should avoid ursodiol, as the drug’s efficacy depends on some degree of bile flow. Ninth, there is no evidence that ursodiol directly reduces viral load, so it must never replace standard antiviral regimens. Tenth, the drug can be particularly valuable in patients with co‑existing cholestasis or pruritus that hampers quality of life. Eleventh, combination studies, such as the 2023 multicenter trial, have shown faster bilirubin normalization when ursodiol is added to DAA therapy, though the sample size was modest. Twelfth, cost considerations may influence prescribing decisions, especially in health systems where drug coverage is limited. Thirteenth, patient education is crucial; patients should understand that ursodiol is an adjunct, not a cure. Fourteenth, in transplant candidates with hepatitis‑related cirrhosis, ursodiol could potentially improve portal hypertension by reducing fibrosis progression, but data are still emerging. Finally, clinicians should individualize therapy, weighing the modest benefits against the added pill burden and monitoring requirements. In summary, ursodiol offers a supportive role in managing liver inflammation and cholestasis, but its use should be carefully coordinated with antiviral therapy and ongoing hepatic assessment.
Dana Yonce
October 29, 2025 AT 04:29Ursodiol sounds useful 😊. Anything that can ease the itching and help the liver while I’m on my meds is welcome! 👍
Lolita Gaela
October 30, 2025 AT 02:43From a pharmacodynamic perspective, ursodiol acts as a choleretic agent by modulating the enterohepatic circulation of bile acids. Its hydrophilic nature attenuates the cytotoxicity of hydrophobic bile constituents, thereby mitigating cholangiocyte injury. In the context of viral hepatitis, while it does not exert direct antiviral activity, the reduction in intrahepatic inflammatory cascades can potentiate the efficacy of nucleos(t)ide analogues and DAAs by preserving hepatic architecture.
erica fenty
October 31, 2025 AT 00:56Interesting!!; Ursodiol could be a useful adjunct; it targets cholestasis; integrates well with antiviral protocols; monitoring is key!
Ashok Kumar
October 31, 2025 AT 23:09Sure, add another pill, because why not complicate a treatment plan that already works? It’s not like the antivirals have pretty good cure rates or anything; they’re just here for show.
Jasmina Redzepovic
November 1, 2025 AT 21:23Listen, as an American patriot, I know our healthcare system wants to flood us with unnecessary meds. Ursodiol is just another way to keep the pharma machine humming while you think you’re getting extra “care”. Trust me, you’re better off sticking with proven DAAs and not buying into this hype.
Ivan Laney
November 2, 2025 AT 19:36While the previous comment raises concerns about overmedication, it overlooks the nuanced role of adjunctive agents in hepatic pathology. In reality, the integration of ursodiol into a comprehensive hepatitis management protocol can serve to attenuate bile‑acid‑induced cytotoxicity, which is a distinct pathological pathway from viral replication. This attenuation can translate into measurable improvements in biochemical markers such as alkaline phosphatase and gamma‑glutamyl transpeptidase, thereby reducing the overall inflammatory burden on hepatic tissue. Moreover, a reduction in cholestatic pruritus can significantly enhance patient adherence to antiviral regimens, indirectly supporting viral eradication efforts. It is essential to recognize that the therapeutic landscape is not a binary choice between monotherapy and polypharmacy; rather, it is a spectrum where targeted adjuncts like ursodiol can optimize outcomes when judiciously applied under specialist supervision.