Description

Ursowin is a medication that contains the active ingredient ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), a naturally occurring bile acid. It is primarily used to treat certain liver and gallbladder disorders.

Indication

Ursowin is indicated for the following conditions:

• Gallstone dissolution: It is used to dissolve radiolucent (non-calcified) gallstones, which are mainly composed of cholesterol, in patients who are not suitable for surgery.
• Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC): This is a chronic autoimmune liver disease where the bile ducts are gradually destroyed. Ursowin helps to improve liver function and can prevent or delay liver damage in people with this condition.
• Liver diseases associated with cystic fibrosis: It can be used to manage liver and biliary diseases in children with cystic fibrosis.

Mechanism of Action

Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) works through several mechanisms:

• Reduces cholesterol saturation in bile: UDCA decreases the amount of cholesterol produced by the liver and absorbed by the intestines. This leads to a reduction in cholesterol in the bile, which helps dissolve existing cholesterol gallstones and prevents new ones from forming.
• Displaces toxic bile acids: UDCA is a hydrophilic (water-loving) bile acid. It increases the proportion of hydrophilic bile acids in the bile pool, displacing the more hydrophobic (water-repelling) and toxic bile acids that can cause damage to liver cells.
• Protects liver cells: By displacing toxic bile acids and improving bile flow, UDCA protects liver cells (hepatocytes) and bile duct cells (cholangiocytes) from damage.
• Immunomodulatory effect: It has been shown to have an effect on the immune system, which is believed to reduce inflammation in the liver and bile ducts, a key component in diseases like primary biliary cholangitis.