Bilestar 300mg Tablet

Introduction

Bilestar is a medication that contains Ursodeoxycholic Acid as its active ingredient. It is available in tablet form and is commonly prescribed under the brand name Bilestar. This medication is primarily used to treat certain liver conditions and help improve liver function.

Uses

Bilestar is prescribed for the following conditions:

• Gallstones: It can help dissolve gallstones in patients who are not suitable for surgery or wish to avoid it.
• Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC): It is used to slow down the progression of PBC, a chronic liver disease that affects the bile ducts.
• Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD): It may be prescribed to manage NAFLD, a condition characterized by the build-up of fat in the liver.

Dosage and Administration

The dosage of Bilestar may vary depending on the specific condition being treated and individual patient factors. Follow the instructions provided by your healthcare professional. Generally, the recommended dosage for adults is 15 mg/kg of body weight per day, divided into two to three doses. The tablets should be taken orally with water, preferably after meals.

Mechanism of Action

Ursodeoxycholic Acid, the active ingredient in Bilestar, works by reducing the amount of cholesterol produced by the liver and helping to dissolve cholesterol-rich gallstones. It also has anti-inflammatory and cytoprotective effects on liver cells, which can help improve liver function and slow down the progression of certain liver diseases.

Side Effects

Common side effects may include diarrhea, stomach discomfort, and nausea. These side effects are usually mild and temporary. However, if you experience any severe or persistent side effects, consult your healthcare professional.

Serious side effects are rare but may include allergic reactions, increased liver enzyme levels, and worsening of liver function. If you notice any signs of an allergic reaction, such as rash, itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing, seek immediate medical attention.

Drug Interactions

Bilestar may interact with certain medications, potentially affecting their effectiveness or increasing the risk of side effects. Inform your healthcare professional about all the medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking before starting Bilestar.

Some common drug interactions include:

• Cholestyramine and Colestipol: These medications may reduce the absorption of Bilestar, so they should be taken at least 2 hours apart.
• Cyclosporine: The combination of Bilestar and cyclosporine may increase the risk of cyclosporine toxicity, so close monitoring is necessary.
• Estrogens and Oral Contraceptives: These medications may increase the cholesterol saturation of bile, reducing the effectiveness of Bilestar.

Consult your healthcare professional for a complete list of potential drug interactions.

Precautions

Before taking Bilestar, consider the following precautions:

• Contraindications: Bilestar should not be used in patients who are allergic to Ursodeoxycholic Acid or any other ingredients in the tablet. It should also be avoided in patients with complete biliary obstruction.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, discuss the potential risks and benefits of using Bilestar with your healthcare professional.
• Other Medications and Substances: Inform your healthcare professional about all the medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking, as they may interact with Bilestar.

Storage

Bilestar should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep it out of the reach of children and pets. Do not use the medication if it has expired or if the packaging is damaged.

Patient Tips

• Take the medication exactly as prescribed by your healthcare professional. Do not exceed the recommended dosage or change the dosing schedule without consulting your doctor.
• If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule.
• maintain a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and regular exercise, to support the effectiveness of Bilestar in managing liver conditions.
• If you have any concerns or questions about the medication, do not hesitate to reach out to your healthcare professional for clarification.

Please note that this description, as well as the other content on our website is for educational purposes only. We do not provide medical advice. For specific medical advices, diagnoses and treatment options you should consult with your doctor.

References

• Primary biliary cholangitis (primary biliary cirrhosis) – Treatment (NHS UK) [Accessed 5 Jun. 2024] (online) Available at:
• DESTOLIT 150 mg tablets (Health Professionals SmPC) Available at:
• Ursodeoxycholic Acid (International database) (Drugs.com) [Accessed 8 Jun. 2024] (online) Available at:
• Gallstones (MedlinePlus) [Accessed 29 Jun. 2024] (online) Available at:
• Shen Y, Lu C, Song Z, Qiao C, Wang J, Chen J, Zhang C, Zeng X, Ma Z, Chen T, Li X, Lin A, Guo J, Wang J, Cai Z. Ursodeoxycholic acid reduces antitumor immunosuppression by inducing CHIP-mediated TGF-beta degradation. Nat Commun. 2022 Jun 14;13(1):3419. doi: 10.1038/s41467-022-31141-6. [Accessed 23 Jun. 2024] Available at: