What condition is Ursodiol used to treat?

Ursodiol, also known as ursodeoxycholic acid, is primarily utilized in the management of liver conditions such as primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) and primary biliary cholangitis (PBC). These are chronic liver diseases that involve inflammation and damage to the bile ducts.

In the case of primary biliary cholangitis, Ursodiol can improve liver function tests and may slow the progression of the disease by decreasing the synthesis of cholesterol and promoting the dissolution of bile acids, which helps to protect the liver cells from damage. It assists in normalizing liver biochemistry and has immunomodulatory effects.

While Ursodiol can be associated with gallstones (cholelithiasis) treatment in specific scenarios—especially when dealing with cholesterol gallstones—its main indications are tied to the cholestatic liver diseases mentioned. It is not typically indicated for acute pancreatitis or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, as its mechanisms of action are more directly beneficial to bile acid metabolism and liver health rather than the acute inflammatory processes found in pancreatitis or the metabolic phenomena seen in fatty liver disease.