Primary biliary cholangitis

The dosage of ursodeoxycholic acid in primary biliary cholangitis (stages I-III), amounts to 12-15 mg/kg/day, to be taken in two to three portions during the day.

The dosage of ursodeoxycholic acid in primary biliary cholangitis stage IV and an increase of the serum bilirubin contents (>40 μg/l), should be in the first instance, only a half of the normal dose (6 to 8 mg/kg/day). Thereafter, the liver function should be closely monitored for several weeks (once every two weeks for six weeks). If there is no deterioration of the liver function (AF, ALT (SGPT), AST (SGOT), γ-GT, bilirubin) and no increase in itching occurs, the dose may be further increased to the usual level. Moreover, the liver function must then again be closely monitored for several weeks. If again no deterioration of the liver function takes place, the patient may be held at the normal dosage for a long time.

In patients with primary biliary cholangitis stage IV without elevated serum bilirubin, the usual starting dose is allowed to be administered directly. Anyway, here too an accurate control of the liver function should be executed.

The treatment of the primary biliary cholangitis should be regularly assessed on the basis of liver values (laboratory) and clinical findings.

It should be taken after the meals.