Ingredient

Ursodeoxycholic Acid

Ursodeoxycholic acid is a type of bile acid that helps support liver and digestive health.

All medicines
469
Single ingredient
16
Combination
453
Prescription medication
63
OTC medication
406

MFDS ingredient code M223167

What does it do?

Ursodeoxycholic acid is an ingredient that belongs to the bile acid class, primarily used for improving liver function and facilitating the flow of bile. This ingredient aids in the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases and the prevention of gallstones.

Ursodeoxycholic acid, as a component of bile, decreases the viscosity of bile and promotes bile flow. This helps ensure the smooth discharge of bile from the liver, improving digestive function and inhibiting the formation of gallstones.

Commonly used for

Approved uses differ by product. Check each product's information for its actual use.

Good to know

Unlike other bile acids, ursodeoxycholic acid has excellent protective effects on liver cells and is specialized for dissolving gallstones and improving liver function. This ingredient is characterized by its direct action on bile acid metabolism to support digestive health.

Medicines containing this ingredient

Even with the same ingredient, strength, dosage form and how it is taken can differ.

Category
Dosage form
Strength
Category

469 total

Even with the same ingredient, dosage and approved uses can differ by strength, dosage form and combined ingredients. Check each product's information before taking it.

Combined ingredients

Ingredients used together with this ingredient in combination products.

Questions about this ingredient

  • QI heard it's a medicine that dissolves gallstones; can anyone take it?

    Ursodeoxycholic acid is indeed used for the treatment of certain gallstones, but its effectiveness may vary or it may be contraindicated depending on the type and size of the gallstones and whether the bile duct is blocked. If gallstones are suspected, please seek medical evaluation and testing first and take the medication as prescribed by your physician.

    Answers 1 · 2026.09.14

  • QAre the ingredients the same when purchased at a pharmacy and when prescribed by a hospital?

    Although the active ingredient is the same, the dosage and approved indications differ among products. Lower dosage products are used as over-the-counter medications for liver function improvement or fatigue relief, while higher dosages needed for treatments like gallstone therapy are prescribed by a physician as prescription medications. If you have a prescribed medication, please consult with a pharmacist before taking over-the-counter medications.

    Answers 1 · 2026.09.14

For anything that needs medical judgment, consult a doctor or pharmacist.

This drug information is based on data provided by the Korea Ministry of Food and Drug Safety.
Consult a doctor or pharmacist for accurate dosage, administration, and usage instructions.