Ursodeoxycholic acid

Pregnancy & gynaecology-specific. Every dose row is source-referenced; verify against institutional protocols.

Ursodeoxycholic acidBile acid treatment

Regimens checked: 2026-10-17. Each indication has its own preparation, limits and safety checks.

Ursodeoxycholic acid: indication-specific regimens
Indication	Dose	Route	Frequency	Duration / preparation	Maximum	Monitoring / cautions
Maternal itching in confirmed intrahepatic cholestasis; not a substitute for bile-acid-based birth planning SMFM / ACOG endorsedchecked	Start 10–15 mg/kg/day in 2–3 divided doses; adjust to symptoms with specialist review	Oral	Twice or three times daily	Until birth with symptom/liver-test review; confirm postnatal resolution · Prescribe mg from maternal weight and available capsule/tablet strength. Example 60 kg at 10 mg/kg/day =600 mg/day, e.g. 300 mg twice daily if that formulation is available SMFM/ACOG-endorsed guidance supplies the dose. RCOG counselling: symptom benefit is limited and UDCA does not prevent stillbirth.	SMFM permits escalation up to 21 mg/kg/day for persistent symptoms; do not increase indefinitely	Monitor Itch, bile acids/LFTs and treatment tolerance; repeat postnatal liver tests/bile acids at about 6 weeks Contraindications / cautions Exclude other liver disease/obstruction; urgent assessment for jaundice/coagulopathy or alternative diagnoses

Pregnancy safety

Used for maternal ICP symptoms; does not replace fetal-risk planning

Lactation

Review ongoing need after birth; persistent disease requires a new diagnosis