Here are the basics about each of the medicines below. Only common problems with them are listed.
Prescription Medicines
- Ursodeoxycholic acid
- Chenodeoxycholic acid
Bile acids are used to dissolve cholesterol gallstones in a person who has a serious health problem that prevents surgery. It may take months or years before all the stones dissolve.
Note: Ursodeoxycholic acid should not be taken with aluminum-containing antacids, such as AlternaGEL or Maalox Advanced Regular Strength. The aluminum may make it hard for ursodeoxycholic acid to work as it should.
A possible side effect is mild diarrhea .
- Diclofenac
- Ketorolac
These are prescription NSAIDs used to ease pain caused by gallstones.
Some problems may be:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Lightheadedness
- Drowsiness
References
Gallstones. Cleveland Clinic website. Available at: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/7313-gallstones. Accessed March 17, 2022.
Gallstones. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/gallstones. Accessed March 17, 2022.
Gallstones. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases website. Available at: https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/gallstones. Accessed March 17, 2022.
Revision Information
- Reviewer: EBSCO Medical Review Board Daniel A. Ostrovsky, MD
- Review Date: 11/2021
- Update Date: 09/01/2017