Gallbladder and Liver Disease Pet Medications
Ursodiol (generic Actigall) is a bile acid medication for the treatment of certain gallbladder and liver diseases in pets. This medication may also help treat cholesterol-containing gallstones. Ursodiol does not treat calcified gallstones. Although Ursodiol is not FDA-approved for use in cats and dogs, it is commonly prescribed for these animals.
Dosages of this medication vary depending on the
individual animal and the severity of symptoms. Consult your veterinarian
for dosing information.
Directions:
- Give Ursodiol with food, preferably with an oily
or fatty meal.
- Administer the dose exactly as prescribed by your
veterinarian. Do not increase or decrease the dosage without veterinarian
approval.
- Wash your hands after administering this medication.
Frequency of Use:
Ursodiol is usually given once or twice per day.
You may need to give your pet this medication for a long period of time.
Do not stop using this medication until your veterinarian instructs
you to do so.
Storage:
Store Ursodiol in its original, tightly closed container.
Store at room temperature, away from moisture, light, and heat. Do not
use beyond the expiration date.
It is a violation of Federal
Law to use this product in a manner inconsistent with its labeling.
Ursodiol, a bile acid, treats liver disease in dogs
and cats to improve and maintain health. It is especially effective
against liver disease resulting from bile toxicity and also treats gallstones
that contain cholesterol. Ursodiol works by decreasing cholesterol production
in the liver and reducing cholesterol absorption by the animal's intestines.
Active Ingredients: Ursodiol 300 mg
Other Ingredients: Colloidal silicon dioxide, magnesium stearate
and starch (corn). Gelatin capsules contain gelatin and titanium dioxide.
The capsules are printed with edible ink containing black iron oxide.
Warnings:
Keep this product out of reach of children and animals.
Do not use or store in or near open flame or heat.
Ursodiol is intended for use in cats and dogs only.
Do not use in guinea pigs, rabbits, or other animals.
CAUTION: Ursodiol may cause vomiting,
diarrhea, jaundice or depression in animals. Contact your veterinarian
immediately if your pet develops severe diarrhea while using this medication.
Do not give this medication to animals with a known
or suspected allergy to it or to other bile acids. Use cautiously in
animals with bile duct obstruction, pancreatitis, or inflammation of
the bile ducts or gallbladder.
Do not give this medication at the same time as acetaminophen.
Tell your veterinarian before beginning treatment with this medication
if your dog or cat is currently taking any medications or supplements.
Antacids with aluminum and cholestyramine resin may make Ursodiol less
effective.
It is not know if Ursodiol is safe for use in pregnant
or lactating animals.