What is Udiliv 300 mg used for?

October 8, 2025 •

4 min read

The active ingredient in Udiliv 300 mg, ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), was originally sourced from bear bile, a traditional remedy for digestive ailments. Today, this synthetic version is a standard treatment for dissolving certain types of gallstones and managing specific chronic liver conditions, particularly primary biliary cholangitis.

Quick Summary

Udiliv 300 mg treats chronic liver diseases like primary biliary cholangitis and dissolves specific types of cholesterol gallstones. It works by reducing liver cholesterol production and improving bile flow to protect liver cells and aid digestion.

Key Points

Primary Uses: Udiliv 300 mg is primarily used to treat primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) and to dissolve specific types of cholesterol gallstones.
Mechanism of Action: Its active ingredient, ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), works by reducing cholesterol saturation in bile, protecting liver cells, and improving bile flow.
Gallstone Dissolution: It is effective only for small, cholesterol-rich, non-calcified gallstones and requires several months or more of continuous treatment.
PBC Management: For PBC patients, Udiliv can significantly delay disease progression, especially when initiated in the early stages.
Common Side Effects: The most common side effects include gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea, abdominal discomfort, nausea, and indigestion.
Precautions and Interactions: Udiliv should not be taken with certain medications, including aluminum-containing antacids and some oral contraceptives, and is contraindicated in specific biliary tract disorders.

Primary Therapeutic Uses for Udiliv 300 mg

Udiliv 300 mg is a medication containing Ursodeoxycholic Acid (UDCA), a naturally occurring bile acid that has significant therapeutic applications. Its primary uses revolve around liver health and managing certain disorders of the biliary system.

Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC)

One of the most important applications of Udiliv 300 mg is in the treatment of primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), a chronic autoimmune liver disease. PBC is characterized by the gradual destruction of the small bile ducts within the liver, which can eventually lead to cirrhosis and liver failure. UDCA is the only drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for PBC. For patients in the early stages of the disease, UDCA treatment can significantly delay its progression. By decreasing the toxic levels of bile acids that accumulate in the liver, Udiliv helps improve liver function and can prevent or delay liver damage.

Dissolving Cholesterol Gallstones

Udiliv 300 mg is also prescribed to dissolve certain gallstones, specifically those composed mainly of cholesterol. This treatment is an alternative for patients who are not candidates for surgery, such as a cholecystectomy. The medication is most effective on small, non-calcified, "floating" cholesterol gallstones and requires a long-term commitment, often several months or longer, to be fully effective.

Other Liver and Biliary Diseases

Beyond its primary uses, Udiliv has shown efficacy in treating other related conditions.

Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy (ICP): This is a liver condition that can occur during pregnancy, causing severe itching due to impaired bile flow. UDCA has been shown to relieve itching and improve liver function for mothers and has been associated with reduced adverse outcomes for the baby.
Cystic Fibrosis-Related Liver Disease: In children over six years old with liver and biliary complications caused by cystic fibrosis, Udiliv 300 mg is used to improve bile flow and protect liver cells.
Non-alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH): While research is ongoing, Udiliv is sometimes included in treatment plans to improve liver function in patients with certain liver disorders, including non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and NASH.

How Udiliv 300 mg Works in the Body

The active ingredient, ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), works through several mechanisms to benefit the liver and biliary system.

Reduces Cholesterol: It decreases the amount of cholesterol produced by the liver and absorbed by the intestine. This lowers the cholesterol saturation of bile, making it less likely for new gallstones to form and enabling existing ones to dissolve.
Protects Liver Cells: UDCA displaces toxic, hydrophobic bile acids from the bile acid pool. This cytoprotective effect shields liver cells (hepatocytes and cholangiocytes) from damage caused by the buildup of toxic bile acids, which is common in cholestatic conditions.
Improves Bile Flow: UDCA has a choleretic effect, meaning it stimulates the secretion of bile acids from the liver. This action helps promote the flow of bile from the liver to the intestines, improving liver function.
Immunomodulatory Effects: In autoimmune liver diseases like PBC, UDCA has been observed to modulate the immune response. It can reduce the expression of certain antigens on liver cells that would otherwise trigger immune-mediated destruction.

Udiliv vs. Other Treatments


Feature	Udiliv 300 mg / UDCA Therapy	Surgical Gallstone Removal (e.g., Cholecystectomy)	Other Liver Disease Management
Treatment Type	Oral medication; non-invasive.	Surgical procedure; invasive.	Varies (lifestyle changes, other medications, transplant).
Effectiveness	Dissolves only specific (cholesterol) gallstones over many months. Effective for slowing PBC progression.	Cures the condition by removing the gallbladder; immediately effective.	Depends on the condition; treats symptoms or underlying cause.
Duration	Several months to years for gallstones; lifelong for PBC.	Single procedure with recovery period.	Long-term lifestyle changes or medical management.
Risks	Side effects (diarrhea, nausea), potential recurrence of gallstones, interactions with other medications.	Risks of surgery (infection, bleeding), potential injury to bile ducts.	Variable risks depending on the specific therapy.
Patient Suitability	Suitable for patients with small cholesterol gallstones and certain liver conditions who are unable to undergo or prefer to avoid surgery.	Primary treatment for symptomatic gallstones, calcified stones, or acute cholecystitis.	Depends on the specific liver disease and patient health.
Key Benefit	Non-invasive, preserves the gallbladder (for gallstone patients), effective in managing PBC.	Immediate, definitive resolution of gallstone issue.	Tailored to the specific condition, can offer different benefits.

Potential Side Effects and Precautions

Like all medications, Udiliv 300 mg can cause side effects. While generally well-tolerated, it is crucial to be aware of potential adverse effects and drug interactions.

Common Side Effects:

Diarrhea
Abdominal pain or discomfort
Nausea and vomiting
Indigestion
Rash or itching
Hair loss (alopecia)

Important Precautions and Interactions:

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Consult a doctor if pregnant or breastfeeding, as the effects are not fully established, though Udiliv is used in cholestasis of pregnancy.
Drug Interactions: Inform your doctor about all other medications. Udiliv can interact with antacids (aluminum-based), bile acid sequestrants (cholestyramine, colestipol), certain antibiotics (ciprofloxacin), and oral contraceptives.
Contraindications: Do not take Udiliv if you have calcified gallstones, acute gallbladder inflammation, or impaired gallbladder function.

Conclusion

Udiliv 300 mg serves as a vital medication for specific liver and biliary tract disorders, primarily treating primary biliary cholangitis and dissolving cholesterol-based gallstones. Its active ingredient, Ursodeoxycholic acid, works by regulating cholesterol production, protecting liver cells from toxic bile acids, and improving bile flow. While it offers a non-invasive treatment option for selected conditions, its use requires long-term commitment and careful medical supervision. For patients managing PBC, Udiliv is a cornerstone of therapy, helping to slow disease progression and preserve liver function for many years. It is essential for patients to discuss their condition and all other medications with a healthcare professional to ensure safe and effective use.

Medication disclaimer

The information in this article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional before taking Udiliv 300 mg or any other medication.

Frequently Asked Questions

Dissolving gallstones with Udiliv 300 mg is a slow process that can take several months or even longer. Treatment progress should be monitored with regular ultrasound scans, and for best results, the medication must be taken consistently for the entire prescribed duration.

You should not stop taking Udiliv without first consulting your doctor, even if your symptoms have improved. For chronic conditions like primary biliary cholangitis and for the dissolution of gallstones, treatment must continue for the full prescribed period to be effective.

Udiliv 150 and Udiliv 300 are different strengths of the same active ingredient, ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA). The specific strength prescribed depends on the patient's body weight and the severity of their condition, as determined by a healthcare professional.

Yes, diarrhea is a common side effect of Udiliv 300 mg. If you experience persistent or excessive diarrhea, you should consult your doctor, who may adjust the dosage. Drinking plenty of fluids can help manage this side effect.

No, it is advisable to avoid or limit alcohol intake while taking Udiliv. Alcohol can worsen liver problems and may interfere with the medication's effectiveness.

You should avoid taking Udiliv with aluminum-based antacids, bile acid sequestrants (like cholestyramine), and some oral contraceptives, as these can reduce its effectiveness or increase the risk of gallstone formation. Always inform your doctor about all medicines you are taking.

Udiliv benefits the liver by protecting liver cells from damage caused by toxic bile acids and improving overall liver function. It works by altering the composition of bile, making it less toxic and easier to flow.