Ursodiol is primarily used to treat which condition?

Ursodiol, also known as ursodeoxycholic acid, is primarily employed in the treatment of cholelithiasis, particularly in patients who have cholesterol gallstones and who are not candidates for surgical intervention. The mechanism by which ursodiol operates involves the reduction of cholesterol absorption in the intestines and the dissolution of cholesterol in bile, thus promoting the breakdown and elimination of gallstones over time.

In cases of cholelithiasis, patients often experience symptoms related to gallstones, and ursodiol serves as a non-surgical therapeutic option to manage or alleviate these concerns. While it has alternative applications, such as addressing primary biliary cholangitis or promoting biliary function, its most recognized and established use remains in the context of gallstone treatment.

In contrast, conditions such as ulcerative colitis, cirrhosis, and gastritis do not have ursodiol as a primary treatment option, as they typically require different therapeutic approaches based on their underlying pathophysiology and the specific goals of treatment.