What is better, according to doctors, Ursosan or Ursofalk? Other drug analogues

In the treatment of pathologies of the liver and gallbladder, in which there is a difficult separation of bile and changes in the composition of lipids, drugs are used whose action is aimed at normalizing cholesterol metabolic processes and improving the condition of organs. Doctors especially often prescribe Ursosan or Ursofalk, so it is always important for the patient what is best to use and what is special about each of the medications.

Characteristics and pharmacological properties

The active component of Ursosan (not to be confused with the drug Urolesan, used in urology) and Ursofalk is ursodeoxycholic acid, which has immunomodulatory, hypocholesterolemic, hypolipidemic, hepatoprotective and choleretic properties. By interacting with toxic bile acids, it helps to reduce their concentration, reduces the amount of cholesterol in bile, and increases its solubility.

As a result of this reaction, cholesterol-type gallstones are dissolved and their re-formation is prevented. Before choosing a cheap analogue of Ursosan in Russia, you need to understand in what cases this drug is prescribed, as well as Ursofalk and other tablets with a similar spectrum of action.

What is the difference between Ursosan and Ursofalk

The main difference between Ursosan and Ursofalk is the presence of dosage forms. If the first drug is presented in capsules and tablets, then the second drug is also presented in the form of a suspension (or syrup) for oral administration. Thanks to this, Ursofalk is taken more easily if the patient for some reason has difficulty taking solid forms of the drug.

In addition, when comparing Ursosan and Ursofalk and determining what their differences are, you can see some differences in contraindications and adverse reactions:

If Ursosan is not recommended for children under 2-3 years of age, since there may be problems with swallowing capsules and tablets, then Ursofalk can be prescribed from infancy in the form of syrup.

Adverse reactions of Ursofalk are almost the same (digestive disorders, stool disorders, bitterness in the mouth, etc.), but due to the different compositions of additional substances, the drug can cause skin rashes.

Drug interactions

Since Ursosan and Ursofalk are often prescribed together with other medications, possible reactions must be taken into account during treatment:

The effect of both hepatoprotectors may be reduced when combined with medications based on antacids, aluminum derivatives, and ion exchange resins
The ability of drugs to dissolve gallstones decreases when taken in combination with lipid-lowering medications, drugs based on estrogens, progestins. When combined, the concentration of cholesterol in bile increases.

Indications for use

Indications for the use of hepatoprotectors are problems with the biliary system and liver. They are used:

to restore the liver;
to improve the outflow of bile and reduce its concentration;
activation of metabolism;
stabilization of cholesterol levels;
dissolving gallstones.

The drugs Ursosan and Ursofalk are used to treat:

primary biliary cirrhosis;
acute, viral and chronic hepatitis;
cystic fibrosis of the liver;
non-alcoholic steagepatitis;
cholangitis complicated by sclerosis of the bile ducts;
biliary reflux gastritis and reflux esophagitis;
toxic liver damage caused by drug and alcohol poisoning.

They are used in pediatric practice, in particular in the treatment of jaundice in newborns. Ursodeoxycholic acid, unlike other bile acids, is not toxic, so it is used to treat many liver diseases, including cirrhosis and fibrosis.

The drugs are used to dissolve gallstones of cholesterol origin when surgical or endoscopic treatment is impossible, to improve the condition of patients undergoing treatment with cytostatics, and are used as an adjuvant in liver and other organ transplantation.

Brief description of Ursosan

The drug is produced in the Czech Republic and is designed to normalize the functioning of the liver and metabolic processes in the body.

The drug is produced in the form of gelatin capsules and tablets.

The composition contains one active ingredient – ursodeoxycholic acid. The compound has a beneficial effect on the liver and also has choleretic and immunomodulatory effects.

Does Ursosan reduce cholesterol?

An important property of the acid is its ability to regulate cholesterol content in bile, reducing its concentration by suppressing absorption in the intestines. Thanks to this quality, the drug accelerates the dissolution of existing gallstones and prevents the formation of new ones.

Contraindications and application features

When comparing Ursosan and Ursofalk, as well as other, cheaper domestic and foreign analogues of the group of hepatoprotectors, it is important to understand in which cases their use is not allowed. Contraindications to taking these medications are:

the presence of calcified stones in the gall bladder;
disturbances in the functioning of the gallbladder;
problems with kidney activity;
presence in the anamnesis of an acute infectious form of inflammatory diseases of the bile ducts;
acute forms of inflammatory processes of the pancreas;

Medicinal products of the hepatoprotector category are taken under the supervision of the attending physician, in accordance with the prescribed dose and regimen developed for the patient. The drugs cannot be used together with alcohol, which completely eliminates their therapeutic effect and leads to side effects.

Drinking alcoholic beverages for biliary cirrhosis contributes to the acceleration of the course of the disease, liver failure and coma, and the development of ascites. At the same time, regular intake of hepatoprotectors, including Ursosan, Ursofalk, Grinterol, Urdoxa, etc., helps restore the liver damaged as a result of systematic alcohol consumption.

Application in special cases

Medicines in this category are not combined with Cholestyramine, Cholestipol or antacids containing aluminum hydroxide or aluminum oxide. The combined use of these drugs leads to the release of ursodeoxycholic acid into the intestines. As a result, the expected therapeutic effect is significantly reduced.

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Therefore, if the need to take antacid drugs is due to the treatment program, they should be taken no earlier than 2 hours after taking Ursosan and Ursofalk. Also, they cannot be combined with estrogens, progestins and medications that increase the saturation of bile with cholesterol.

Taking Ursosan is possible during pregnancy and lactation.

As a result of studies conducted by German specialists, it was found that it does not have a negative effect on the fetus, but may cause some side effects

disruption of the outflow of bile as a result of enlargement of the uterus during pregnancy and compression of the gallbladder;
movement of stones, if present, and exacerbation of cholelithiasis;
increased bilirubin, ALAT, AST in the presence of liver pathologies.

For these reasons, the use of Ursosan in pregnant and lactating women is allowed only for serious indications, when its use is justified by the presence of diseases that require constant treatment. Ursofalk suspension can also be used in these cases.

Ursosan or Ursofalk: which is better and what is special about the drugs

On the pharmacy market you can find many drugs for the treatment of the liver and gallbladder. People want to choose a high-quality medicine that will quickly and without side effects get rid of their existing disease.

Doctors often suggest purchasing Ursosan or Ursofalk – which is better to buy is difficult to say for sure, since the drugs are similar, but at the same time they also have differences.

It is recommended to understand the features of each medication, consider the composition and contraindications, so that you can make the right choice.

Characteristics of Ursosan

Ursosan is a hepatoprotector that helps maintain liver health and treat various diseases. Available in the form of white capsules with powder inside. The medicine is sold in packages of 10, 50 and 100 tablets. One capsule contains 250 mg of the active substance, which is ursodeoxycholic acid.

Indications and contraindications

The instructions for Ursosan indicate in what cases the medicine should be used. There are a number of indications for which the active substance will be effective.

When doctors prescribe Ursosan:

Cirrhosis, cystic fibrosis and cholangitis.
Hepatitis of various types.
Intoxication of the body, provoked by various factors, including taking medications.
Liver damage caused by alcohol-containing drinks.
Problems with the bile ducts, including congenital atresia.
Steathepatitis, which has various origins.
Cholelithiasis.
Dyskinesia and other pathologies of the biliary tract.
Changes in the liver caused by the use of doping agents.

Doctors prescribe medicine both for the treatment of liver diseases and for the prevention of problems when using cytostatics and antibiotics. The medicine has a number of contraindications, which it is better to know about in advance.

When the remedy is not prescribed:

Liver or kidney failure.
The presence of stones in the bile ducts, bladder, kidneys and ducts.
Cirrhosis, which is at the stage of decompensation.
Acute infections that affect the bile ducts and bladder.
Individual sensitivity to active components.

It is recommended to consult a doctor before using the medicine. He will tell you what is better for a person to use, Ursosan or Ursofalk.

Compound

The positive effect is achieved thanks to the active component – ursodeoxycholic acid. Additional substances are present, including magnesium, silicon, corn starch and titanium. The shell consists exclusively of gelatin. Before using the product, it is important to ensure that there is no allergic reaction to the listed components.

Mode of application

It is important to use Ursosan correctly to achieve a positive effect. The specific therapeutic regimen depends on the disease and condition of the body. The dosage and course duration are selected individually for each person. You can focus on general recommendations that are applicable for cholelithiasis.

Treatment regimen:

You need to take from 10 to 15 mg of the drug per day for every 10 kg of body weight. Use all capsules at one time, preferably before bedtime. The product should be taken with plenty of water. It doesn't matter how much time has passed since eating.
The duration of treatment is determined individually. In most cases, Krsosan is used until the stones completely disappear, and then used for several months to consolidate the result.

The treatment period can last up to a year, and it largely depends on what problem the patient has. It is important to take into account what caused the intoxication, and in case of alcohol poisoning it is determined which drinks the person consumed. In case of cirrhosis, therapy is delayed for several years.

Ursosan and Ursofalk are similar in many ways, so people often cannot decide which medication is better. It is important to consider the characteristics of the second product in order to clearly understand which one is better to purchase.

Characteristics of Ursofalk

Ursofalk is a hepaprotector that protects the liver and maintains the condition of the bile ducts. The medicine can prevent the occurrence of various diseases that can adversely affect a person’s condition.

We are talking about bile stagnation, stones, enlargement of liver tissue, accumulation of cholesterol. Additionally, the remedy is used when there are problems with the large intestine and esophagus.

The drug prevents the active growth of malignant tumors and also prevents the expansion of veins.

Indications and contraindications

There are a number of situations where it will be useful to use Ursofalk. Doctors prescribe the drug in the presence of certain pathologies, as well as for the prevention of diseases.

Indications:

Cirrhosis in the initial stages.
Hepatitis regardless of type.
Cystic fibrosis.
The presence of stones in the bile ducts or in the liver area.
Toxic intoxication of the liver.
Artesial pathology affecting the bile ducts.
Stagnation of bile.

Ursofalk is used after surgical interventions on the liver, because it helps to quickly restore the health of the organ. The product is suitable for the prevention of liver diseases when it is necessary to use hormonal agents and antibiotics.

There are a number of contraindications for which the drug cannot be used. If you ignore the warnings, then your health will be harmed.

Ursofalk should not be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding, bleeding in the ducts and intestines, as well as acute inflammatory processes in these same organs.

The medicine should not be used when cirrhosis is in the stage of decompensation. If there are defects in the gallbladder that have led to its dysfunction, the medicine should also not be used. Additionally, an allergic reaction to the composition can be identified.

It is recommended to consult a specialist regarding the use of the medication.

Compound

The main active ingredient is ursodeoxycholic acid, which is also present in Ursosan. This is why it is difficult for people to understand which medication is better.

There are also auxiliary components, including citric and benzoic acid, glycerol, sodium, water, propylene glycol, as well as lemon flavoring. These substances are available in suspension, and there are other substances in capsules.

Among them are starch, magnesium, sodium, silicon, titanium and gelatin. The active component in both cases is 250 mg per capsule or 5 ml of suspension.

Mode of application

It is important to use the drug correctly in order to achieve a positive result. The specific regimen is determined individually depending on the disease and the patient’s weight.

If your body weight is up to 60 kg, then you need to use 2 capsules. For people weighing from 60 to 85 kg, 3 capsules can be used. Weight from 85 to 105 kg – 4 tablets. If you weigh more than 105 kg – 5 capsules. The dosage may be increased if the person weighs more.

You must take the medication every evening - all capsules must be taken before bed. The duration of therapy can range from a week to several years, because it all depends on the type of illness.

For cystic fibrosis and cholangitis, the course often lasts up to 2-3 years, and when recovering from intoxication, use can last only a week.

It is important to consult your doctor about dosage in order to correctly determine the therapeutic regimen.

Possible side effects

Side effects, as well as allergic reactions when taking these medications, are quite rare. The most common of them in Ursosan are:

disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, manifested in the form of constipation or diarrhea;
feeling of discomfort in the area of the right hypochondrium, pain in the abdomen.

With the Ursofalk suspension, these negative consequences are practically reduced to zero. In general, the effectiveness and possible consequences of drug treatment depend on the individual characteristics of the body and the presence of concomitant chronic diseases in the patient. This drug is popular due to its convenient dosage form in the form of a suspension.

All hepatoprotectors, including Ursosan, Ursofalk and others, are drunk simultaneously with meals.

As a rule, taking these medications is quite long and continuous. They are usually prescribed to patients for a period of several months or more.

Distinctive features

Most hepatoprotectors are equally effective. The main difference between these drugs is the dosage form and application features. For example, Ursosan is available only in capsules, while Ursofalk can be taken both in capsules and as a suspension. In addition, it can be taken by children starting from the 1st month of life. However, the cost of this medicine is usually higher than Ursosan. In general, both drugs have proven themselves in the treatment of liver diseases of varying complexity.

Also, to combat these diseases, more inexpensive analogues are used, for example, Exchol in tablets.

Answering the question of which is better, Exchol or Ursosan, you can note that Ursosan has a higher therapeutic effectiveness and is better absorbed by the body. But, the cost of Exhol is an order of magnitude lower.

One of the most popular choleretic drugs is Allahol, a combination product containing components of plant origin.

Its action is similar to Ursosan, it rarely causes side effects and can be used by pregnant and lactating women. The drugs Cholenzym, Odeston and Karsil also have similar characteristics. It is possible to determine which medicine, Allohol or Ursosan, is better by assessing the characteristics of their effect on the patient’s body, therefore the purpose of each of them is selected depending on the individual characteristics of the patient.

Other analogues and substitutes

Despite the effectiveness and high quality of Ursosan and Ursofalk, in some cases, due to individual intolerance or other reasons, these medications are not suitable for some patients. They can be replaced with other drugs from the group of hepatoprotectors that have similar characteristics. Currently, the number of medications containing ursodeoxycholic acid produced by various pharmaceutical companies is quite large.

Some of the best analogues of the drug Ursosan are Urdoxa and Ursoliv. Urdoxa is a Russian medicine produced by. They are produced in the form of capsules, the price of which, on average, is about 1,300 rubles. If we say which is better, Urdoxa or Ursosan, you will notice that both of these drugs are powerful and effective.

Another high-quality Russian hepatoprotector is Ursoliv. Produced in the form of capsules by ABVA RUS (Russia). In pharmacies its cost is approximately 1400-1500 rubles per package. It is popular due to its availability and balanced formula.

Similar drugs

Ursodeoxycholic acid is also included in other medications. Analogs and substitutes for the drugs Ursosan and Ursofalka are:

Grinterol (caps., 250 mg acid)
Livodex (tablets with 150 or 300 mg tablets)
Urdoxa (caps., 250 mg)
Ursodez (caps., dosage 250 and 500 mg)
Ursoliv (caps., dosage 250 mg)
Ursolite (caps., 250 mg)
Ursodez (caps., 250 and 500 mg)
Choludexan (caps., 300 mg)
Exchol (caps. 250 mg, tablet 500 mg)
Ecorochol (caps. 250 mg).

All medications used to treat pathologies of the gallbladder and ducts, liver, contain mainly one active substance and therefore act identically. But despite this, you cannot replace one remedy with another on your own, so as not to cause further complications. Therefore, a specialist must still determine what will be best for treatment.

Medicines suitable for replacing Ursosan

Other groups of drugs are also used to treat liver diseases:

effective phospholipids (these include: Phosphogliv, Phosphonciale, Essentiale, Essentiale Forte, Essentiale N, Gepagard Active);
medications containing components of animal origin (Hepatosan, Hepatamin, Progepar);
medications with lipoic acid (Espa-Lipon, Berlition, Thioctacid,);
based on amino acids (Hepa-Merz, Heptor, Heptral);
naturopathic group products (Galstena, Gepabene, Hofitol, Karsil, Silimar, Liv-52, Ovesol, Dipana, Liv-52, Peponen, Tykveol).

According to experts, in addition to medicines based on bile acid, amino acids have proven themselves to be effective in treating complex forms of liver disease. That is, when comparing Heptral or Ursosan, we can say that their effectiveness is the same, and both drugs are no better or worse than one another. Analogs of Ursosan in terms of the active substance are also: Russian Ecurohol, Exchol and Livodex.

Doctors' opinions on the effectiveness of drugs

Which medicine, for example, Ursosan or Phosphogliv is better, is difficult to answer, since they act differently. The first is a single drug, effective in the treatment of cholelithiasis and is more suitable for the treatment of the gallbladder, the second serves to normalize lipid metabolism and eliminate hepatosis. Phosphogliv is available in three forms: capsules, forte capsules and solution for injection.

The list of analogue drugs by active substance and their cost is presented in the table:

Name	Release form	Number of pieces per package	Manufacturer	average cost
Ursofalk - original	capsules 250 mg	10, 50 and 100	"Doctor Falk", Germany	for 10 pieces: about 216 rub. for 50 pcs: 983 rub. for 100 pcs: 2199 rub.
Ursofalk - original	suspension 250 mg/5 ml - 250 ml	1	Vifor, Switzerland	1241 rub.
Urdoxa	capsules 250 mg	50 and 100	Pharmproject, Russia	for 50 pcs: 615 rub. for 100 pcs: 1068 rub.
Ursodez	capsules 250 mg	10.50 or 100	"Northern Star", Russia	for 10 pieces: 104 rub. for 50 pcs: 410 rub. for 100 pcs: 799 rub.
Ursoliv	capsules 250 mg	10.50 and 100	"AVVA RUS", Russia	for 10 pcs: 146 rub. for 50 pcs: 552 rub. for 100 pcs: 1600 rub.
Ursosan	capsules 250 mg	10, 50 and 100	"ProMed", Czech Republic	for 10 pieces: 178 rub. for 50pcs: 762 rub. for 100 pieces: 1280 rub.
Exhol	capsules 250 mg	10, 50 and 100	"Kanonpharma", Russia	for 10 pcs: 127 rub. for 50 pcs: 580 rub. for 100 pcs: 1060 rub.
Ursodex	tablets 300 mg	50 and 100	Sun, India	785-851 rub.
Ursorom Rompharm	capsules 250 mg	30	Rompharm, Romania	356 rub.
Choludexan	capsules 300mg	20	"World Medicine", UK,	480 rub.

When comparing the drugs Ursosan and Ursodez, it is necessary to emphasize that the use of the second drug is practiced for cholelithiasis, while Ursodez is used in the treatment of a wider range of diseases. Which is better, Ursodez or Ursosan, cannot be said for sure. Both of these medications are prescribed quite often.

Which is better Ursosan or Heptral?

For pathologies of the liver and biliary tract, Ursosan or Heptral are used. Both drugs are hepatoprotectors. To understand which doctors think is better, Ursosan or Heptral, read the instructions for use.

Active components. Ursosan is based on ursodeoxycholic acid. Heptral contains ademetionine.
Pharmachologic effect. Both drugs have hepatoprotective activity. But Heptral additionally causes an antidepressant effect.
Indications for use. Both remedies are used for any pathologies that cause inflammation of the liver. But Heptral is used for patients who are prone to depression.
Side effects. Ursosan causes dyspeptic reactions, calcification of gallstones, and urticaria. Heptral has many more side effects. Dyspepsia, neuralgia, arthralgia, convulsions, urinary tract infections, allergic reactions, hyperhidrosis are possible.

Ursosan is not recommended for persons with a predisposition to the appearance of collected stones, with severe pathologies of the liver, kidneys, and pancreas. Heptral is contraindicated in case of individual intolerance or minors. During pregnancy, the drugs are used when absolutely necessary.

The principle of action of medications

For the treatment of pathologies of the liver and biliary tract caused by disturbances in the synthesis and secretion of bile, there is a separate group of drugs in which ursodeoxycholic acid is the active substance.
This component is a bile acid, which has a complex of beneficial properties for the liver and gallbladder. The mechanism of action is the ability of the acid to integrate into the liver cells and then stabilize the structure of the membranes. As a result, cells receive protection from damage from bile salts.

At the same time, the drug reduces the absorption of potentially toxic lipophilic compounds in the intestine.

In addition, the acid increases the solubility of cholesterol, activates the formation and release of bile, and enhances local organ immunity.

As a result of treatment with hepatoprotectors, the causes of the formation of gallstones are inhibited or prevented, the outflow of bile improves, which has a positive effect on the condition of the hepatobiliary system and the body as a whole.

Recommendations and opinions of doctors

According to doctors, medications based on bile ursodeoxycholic acid have shown good results in the treatment of liver diseases and cholelithiasis.

Also effective are preparations with amino acids, which have a positive effect on patients in the treatment of hepatitis, cirrhosis, biliary dyskinesia and non-calculous cholecystitis.

Some doctors claim that Ursofalk is easier to tolerate by patients, and the effect of its use is achieved faster.

But there are also supporters of a different opinion who prescribe Ursosan to patients. In any case, both drugs help the body equally well and can be prescribed for liver diseases to patients of different age groups, including young children.

Description of Ursofalk

Hepatoprotector from the German company Dr. Falk Pharma. Developed based on the properties of ursodeoxycholic acid. The drug is also intended for the treatment of pathologies of the liver, gall bladder and ducts, therefore the drug is considered an analogue of Ursosan. However, the drug also has a number of its own characteristics.

Ursofalk is prescribed for hepatosis, as well as in the following cases:

To dissolve cholesterol gallstones when there is no possibility of treatment by other means (surgical/endoscopic)
For biliary primary cirrhosis of the liver
In the chronic form of hepatitis with manifestations of cholestasis
In acute form of hepatitis, hepatic cystic fibrosis
For the prevention and treatment of cholestatic pathologies caused by taking hormonal contraceptives
To maintain the normal condition of the liver due to damage from cytostatics or alcoholism.

In addition, the hepatoprotector is actively prescribed to patients after liver or gallbladder transplants.