FAQ Category: medicines that dissolve gallstones
Do gallstones come back after stopping the medicine?
—
by
Yes, recurrence rates are 30-50% within 5 years.
What are the side effects of gallstone-dissolving drugs?
—
by
Ursodiol: Mild diarrhea, indigestion. Chenodiol: Diarrhea, liver enzyme changes, rarely liver toxicity.
Are gallstone-dissolving medicines effective for all types of gallstones?
—
by
No, they only work on cholesterol stones, not pigment (bilirubin or calcium-based) stones.
How long does it take for gallstone medicines to work?
—
by
It may take 6 months to 2 years of continuous use, depending on stone size.
Which medicines can dissolve gallstones?
—
by
Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA/ursodiol) and chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA/chenodiol) are the primary medications used to dissolve cholesterol gallstones.