Brand names Chendol,Chenofalk
Used in the following combined preparations Combidol, Lithofalk.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Chenodeoxycholic acid is a chemical that occurs naturally in bile, where it has an important role in controlling the concentration of cholesterol in the blood.
As an orally administered drug, it is prescribed as an alternative to surgery in the treatment of gallstones. It acts by reducing levels of cholesterol in the bile, thereby helping gallstones made predominantly of cholesterol to dissolve.
Chenodeoxycholic acid is ineffective with stones of a high calcium or bile acid content. The benefits of the drug are increased by weight loss and a diet that is high in fibre and low in fat. The drug dissolves gallstones in 3 to 18 months.
The progress of treatment is assessed regularly by ultrasound or X-ray examination. Drug treatment may be continued after the stones have disappeared to prevent recurrence of gallstones.
Diarrhoea is the most common adverse effect. Regular blood tests are usually carried out to check liver function, which may be temporarily affected by the drug.
INFORMATION FOR USERS
Your drug prescription is tailored for you. Do not alter dosage without checkingwith your doctor.
How taken
Tablets, capsules.
Frequency and timing of doses
1-3 x daily.
Adult dosage range
According to body weight.
Onset of effect
Within 30 minutes. Full beneficial effects may not be felt for up to 18 months.
Duration of action
Up to 12 hours.
Diet advice
A low-cholesterol, high-fibre diet is advisable as it enhances gallstone dissolution, prevents new stones from forming, and reduces levels of circulating cholesterol.
Storage
Keep in a well-closed container in a cool, dry place out of the reach of children.
Missed dose
No cause for concern, but take as soon as you remember. If your next dose is due within 2 hours, take a single dose now and skip the next.
Stopping the drug
Do not stop the drug without consulting your doctor; symptoms may recur.
Exceeding the dose
An occasional unintentional extra dose is unlikely to be a cause for concern.
But if you notice any unusual symptoms, or if a large overdose has been taken, notify your doctor.
POSSIBLE ADVERSE EFFECTS
Diarrhoea is the most widely experienced adverse effect, particularly at the start of treatment. It can often be minimized by a reduction in dosage.
INTERACTIONS
Oral contraceptives Oestrogen- containing preparations may counter the beneficial effects of chenodeoxycholic acid on cholesterol.
Cholestyramine, colestipol, and aluminium antacids These reduce the beneficial effect of chenodeoxycholic acid.
QUICK REFERENCE
Drug group Drug for gallstones
Overdose danger rating Low
Dependence rating Low
Prescription needed Yes
Available as generic No
SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS
Be sure to tell your doctor if:
You have a long-term liver problem. You have a peptic ulcer.
You have inflammatory bowel disease.
You are taking other medications.
Pregnancy
Not usually prescribed. May affect the baby. Discuss with your doctor.
Breast-feeding
Safety not established. Discuss with your doctor.
Infants and children
Not recommended.
Over 60
No special problems.
Driving and hazardous work
No known problems.
Alcohol
No known problems.
PROLONGED USE
Monitoring Blood tests may be performed to check liver function. Ultrasound or X-ray examinations may be carried out to assess the progress of treatment.
