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Source overview
Recorded excerpts for one species. Each dose remains a separate source entry; no regimen is selected.
Choose one species to view its source overview. All-species evidence remains available below.
View full clinical evidence and sources ↓Clinical evidence
Pending clinical review (PROPOSED)Rule-based (RULE_BASED)— applies to the facts and dose entries in this species selection; individual source records retain their own status.
Indications3
Adjunctive therapy of chronic hepatobiliary disease — cholestasis, cholangitis/cholangiohepatitis, chronic (active) hepatitis, copper-associated hepatopathy, fibrosis/cirrhosis
DogCatExtra-label (EXTRA_LABEL)2 source records · View provenance
- Dog · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 1155–1157; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 829–830 — Indications table · Not applicable · Extra-label (EXTRA_LABEL) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Original excerpt: Adjunctive therapy of chronic hepatobiliary disease — cholestasis, cholangitis/cholangiohepatitis, chronic (active) hepatitis, copper-associated hepatopathy, fibrosis/cirrhosis — Extra-label (human drug)
- Cat · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 1155–1157; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 829–830 — Indications table · Not applicable · Extra-label (EXTRA_LABEL) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Original excerpt: Adjunctive therapy of chronic hepatobiliary disease — cholestasis, cholangitis/cholangiohepatitis, chronic (active) hepatitis, copper-associated hepatopathy, fibrosis/cirrhosis — Extra-label (human drug)
- Dog · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 1155–1157; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 829–830 — Indications table · Not applicable · Extra-label (EXTRA_LABEL) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Medical management of cholesterol-containing gallstones
DogExtra-label (EXTRA_LABEL)1 source record · View provenance
- Dog · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 1155–1157; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 829–830 — Indications table · Not applicable · Extra-label (EXTRA_LABEL) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Original excerpt: Medical management of cholesterol-containing gallstones — Extra-label
- Dog · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 1155–1157; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 829–830 — Indications table · Not applicable · Extra-label (EXTRA_LABEL) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Dose regimens3
This calculator performs arithmetic only on the sourced dosing field shown for each result — it does not verify the field's accuracy, does not select which field to use for a patient, and does not replace a veterinarian's order. Not for clinical use. Confirm every result against the primary source before dispensing.
Choose one species above to view its dose calculator.
Adverse effects205
Taurine depletion — Theoretical concern with chronic feline use
CatNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Cat · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 1155–1157; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 829–830 — Side Effects / Adverse Effects table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Generally well tolerated — Limited use but no hepatotoxicity signal
DogCatNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)2 source records · View provenance
- Dog · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 1155–1157; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 829–830 — Side Effects / Adverse Effects table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
- Cat · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 1155–1157; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 829–830 — Side Effects / Adverse Effects table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Diarrhea/occasional GI effects — Rare (human)
Other speciesNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Other species · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 1155–1157; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 829–830 — Side Effects / Adverse Effects table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Lithocholic acid metabolite hepatotoxicity — Humans unable to sulfate it; veterinary significance unclear
Other speciesNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Other species · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 1155–1157; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 829–830 — Side Effects / Adverse Effects table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
These are counts of spontaneously reported events, not proven adverse effects, causal relationships, or incidence rates.
Bars compare report counts within each species; they do not show incidence.
More reportsFewer reportsDog
- Vomiting142 reports
- Elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT)125 reports
- Diarrhoea110 reports
- Lethargy (see also Central nervous system depression in 'Neurological')98 reports
- Elevated serum alkaline phosphatase (SAP)86 reports
- Decreased appetite79 reports
- Death by euthanasia78 reports
- Elevated total bilirubin69 reports
- Weight loss67 reports
- Anorexia63 reports
- Abnormal ultrasound finding60 reports
- Lethargy (see also Central nervous system depression in Neurological)60 reports
Cat
- Vomiting12 reports
- Lethargy (see also Central nervous system depression in Neurological)9 reports
- Elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT)8 reports
- Death by euthanasia7 reports
- Elevated total bilirubin7 reports
- Weight loss7 reports
- Diarrhoea6 reports
- Abnormal ultrasound finding5 reports
- Lack of efficacy - NOS4 reports
- Cholangiohepatitis3 reports
- Death3 reports
- Decreased appetite3 reports
Monitoring1
Liver enzymes/bilirubin, bile acids; gallstone imaging if treated for stones; taurine status in cats on chronic therapy
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 1155–1157; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 829–830 — Monitoring Parameters · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Contraindications1
Rabbits/hindgut fermenters (converts to toxic lithocholic acid); bile-acid hypersensitivity
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 1155–1157; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 829–830 — Contraindications & Warnings table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Precautions4
Gallstone complications (obstruction, fistula, cholecystitis, pancreatitis, cholangitis) — weigh risk/benefit; some liver patients have impaired bile-acid metabolism
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 1155–1157; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 829–830 — Contraindications & Warnings table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Mechanism trio: ① ↑ bile flow (choleretic), ② ↓ hepatic cholesterol synthesis/secretion + intestinal absorption (desaturates bile → dissolves cholesterol stones), ③ displaces toxic hydrophobic bile acids from the hepatocyte detergent injury — the last is why it helps cholestatic liver disease generally.
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 1155–1157; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 829–830 — Clinical pearl · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Adjunct, not a monotherapy: pair with immunosuppression in chronic active hepatitis and address copper (chelation/diet) in copper hepatopathy.
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 1155–1157; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 829–830 — Clinical pearl · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Will not touch radiopaque/calcified or pigment stones — imaging before committing to medical dissolution.
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 1155–1157; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 829–830 — Clinical pearl · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Interactions3
Aluminum antacids — Bind ursodiol — reduce efficacy (also used as overdose therapy)
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 1155–1157; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 829–830 — Drug Interactions table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Cholestyramine resin — Binds — reduce efficacy
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 1155–1157; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 829–830 — Drug Interactions table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Taurine — Chronic feline use may ↑ taurine requirement (cats are taurine-dependent)
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 1155–1157; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 829–830 — Drug Interactions table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Pharmacokinetics3
Absorption — Small intestine, up to 90% (human)
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 1155–1157; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 829–830 — Pharmacokinetics table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Enterohepatic cycling — Hepatic conjugation (taurine/glycine) → bile → bacterial degradation in gut → feces
Other speciesNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Other species · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 1155–1157; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 829–830 — Pharmacokinetics table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Protein binding — High (systemic fraction)
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 1155–1157; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 829–830 — Pharmacokinetics table · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Pregnancy / lactation considerations1
Human FDA category B. Unknown milk passage.
Species not recordedNot applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE)1 source record · View provenance
- Species not recorded · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 7th ed., p. 1155–1157; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs (Papich), 4th ed., p. 829–830 — Pregnancy & Lactation · Not applicable · Not applicable (NOT_APPLICABLE) · Pending clinical review (PROPOSED) · Rule-based
Literature references3
References are linked to this drug. Species applicability is not recorded here, so the species filter does not narrow this list. Imported dates do not retain their original precision; confirm dates in the original citation.
- Secondary bile acid ursodeoxycholic acid alters weight, the gut microbiota, and the bile acid pool in conventional mice.
Study summary not available in the imported record. Open the original citation to review the study.
- Ursodeoxycholic Acid (UDCA) Mitigates the Host Inflammatory Response during Clostridioides difficile Infection by Altering Gut Bile Acids.
Study summary not available in the imported record. Open the original citation to review the study.
- A Canine Model of Chronic Graft-versus-Host Disease.
Study summary not available in the imported record. Open the original citation to review the study.
Sources: PubMed, National Library of Medicine; openFDA, U.S. Food and Drug Administration; Plumb DC. Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook. 7th ed. PharmaVet Inc; 2011.
Owner information handout
Plain-language medication information to review with the owner. Open the handout to print it or download a PDF.