Pharmacology · Class
Bile acids !
Bile acids given as medicines to change the make-up of bile: they dissolve some cholesterol gallstones and protect the liver in cholestatic disease.
Updated 2026-11-01
What they are
Natural or modified bile acids used in biliary disease. Ursodeoxycholic acid dissolves small cholesterol gallstones and treats primary biliary cholangitis; obeticholic acid (an FXR agonist) and chenodeoxycholic acid belong to the same ATC group.
Mechanism of action
Ursodeoxycholic acid lowers cholesterol secretion into bile and helps dissolve cholesterol in micelles and liquid crystals, so bile stops precipitating stones. It also replaces more toxic bile acids in the bile acid pool, which helps in cholestatic liver disease.
Target: Bile composition and the bile acid pool
Drugs in this class
Others in the class
- Chenodeoxycholic acid
- Obeticholic acid
- Cholic acid
Test yourself
Think of the answer, then tap the question to see it.
Which gallstones can ursodeoxycholic acid dissolve?
Radiolucent, non-calcified cholesterol stones; calcified, radiopaque or pigment stones do not dissolve.
Which autoimmune liver disease is treated with ursodeoxycholic acid?
Primary biliary cholangitis.
Why do cholestyramine and aluminium antacids reduce its effect?
They bind bile acids in the gut and lower their absorption.
Educational content on how drugs work; not a prescribing guide and no substitute for a health professional's advice. No doses are given.
Sources: ATCDDD - ATC/DDD Index (WHO Collaborating Centre for Drug Statistics Methodology, 2026); DailyMed - URSODIOL capsule (DailyMed (U.S. National Library of Medicine), 2023); DailyMed - URSODIOL tablet (DailyMed (U.S. National Library of Medicine), 2026); Ursodiol: MedlinePlus Drug Information (MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine), 2023).
Spotted a mistake?We are always improving for the community. Tell us what is wrong and our team will review it.Report a mistake
Representative model, for educational purposes only.