Ursodeoxycholic Acid

Ursodeoxycholic Acid, also known as UDCA, is a bile acid medication primarily used to treat certain liver diseases. It is a synthetic form of a natural bile acid produced in the liver, which helps in the digestion of dietary fats. As a medication, UDCA is primarily prescribed for the treatment of cholestatic liver diseases such as primary biliary cirrhosis and primary sclerosing cholangitis.
Primary biliary cirrhosis is an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation and damage to the bile ducts in the liver, leading to liver failure over time. UDCA works by reducing the inflammation and slowing down the progression of the disease, thereby improving liver function and prolonging the life expectancy of patients.
Primary sclerosing cholangitis, on the other hand, is a condition where the bile ducts within and outside the liver become inflamed and scarred, leading to blocked bile flow and liver damage. UDCA has been found to reduce inflammation and slow down the progression of this disease as well, resulting in improved liver function and a decreased risk of complications.
UDCA is also used in the treatment of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy, a liver condition that occurs in some women during pregnancy. It helps to reduce the itching and other symptoms associated with this condition by improving bile flow.