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Ursodiol Coupon - Ursodiol 250mg tablet

ursodiol

Generic Actigall
Used for Cirrhosis, Gallstones
Used for Cirrhosis, Gallstones

Ursodiol is a bile acid medication used for dogs and cats with certain liver or gallbladder problems. It helps clear out thick gallbladder sludge and protects the liver. Vets use it in pets as an off-label medication because there isn’t an FDA-approved version for animals. Ursodiol comes in tablets and capsules, but some pharmacies can make it into a liquid if needed. The dose depends on your pet’s weight and is usually given with food once or twice a day. The most common side effect is diarrhea.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Elizabeth Carman, PharmD, FSVHP
reviewer
Cydnee Ng, PharmD
Last reviewed on May 20, 2025
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageInteractionsCostAlternativesImagesPricesMedicare
Paws

For pets

Ursodiol can be prescribed or used off-label by a licensed veterinarian for pets. Medications prescribed for pets aren't intended for human use.

Explore pet medicationsView information for human use
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What is Ursodiol for pets?

What is Ursodiol for pets used for?

  • Gallstones made of cholesterol in dogs and cats

  • Gallbladder problems in dogs and cats (e.g., too much gallbladder sludge, inflammation)

  • Inflammation related to liver problems in dogs and cats

How Ursodiol for pets works

Ursodiol is a bile acid. It helps bile flow better through the liver and into the gut. This helps lower the buildup of bile in the body, which can lessen damage to the gallbladder and liver.

Ursodiol also lowers the amount of cholesterol your pet’s liver makes. In addition, it lowers how much cholesterol their body absorbs from food. This helps reduce the amount of cholesterol in gallstones.

Drug Facts

Common BrandsActigall, Urso 250, Urso Forte
Drug ClassBile acid
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only

More on Ursodiol essentials

Dog: owner takes dog to the vet 1995860788

Ursodiol for Dogs: A Medication to Treat Liver Disease and Gallbladder Problems

Written by Chris Vanderhoof, DVM, MPH
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Avg retail price
$56.71(save 72.49%)
GoodRx discount
$15.60
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What are the side effects of Ursodiol for pets?

The following side effects might get better over time as your pet gets used to the medication. Let your veterinarian know immediately if your pet continues to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

Other Side Effects

Serious Side Effects

Contact your veterinarian immediately if your pet experiences any of the following.
  • Liver problems: yellowing of the skin, gums, or eyes; low energy; vomiting; no appetite

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

Bladder pain

bloody or cloudy urine

difficult, burning, or painful urination

dizziness

fast heartbeat

frequent urge to urinate

indigestion

lower back or side pain

severe nausea

skin rash or itching over the entire body

stomach pain

vomiting

weakness

Less common

Black, tarry stools

chest pain

chills or fever

cough

pinpoint red spots on the skin

severe or continuing stomach pain

sore throat or swollen glands

sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or in the mouth

unusual bleeding or bruising

unusual tiredness or weakness

Incidence not known

Clay-colored stools

dark urine

difficulty with swallowing

headache

hives or welts

hoarseness

large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs

loss of appetite

nausea

redness of the skin

slow or irregular breathing

tightness in the chest

unpleasant breath odor

yellow eyes or skin

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Back pain

body aches or pain

congestion

constipation

general feeling of discomfort or illness

heartburn

loss of voice

muscle aches

muscle or bone pain

pain, swelling, or redness in the joints

runny nose

sweating

trouble sleeping

Less common

Diarrhea

Rare

Worsening psoriasis

Incidence not known

Acid or sour stomach

belching bloating or swelling of face, arms, hands, lower legs, or feet

difficulty with moving

rapid weight gain

stomach discomfort or upset

tingling of the hands or feet

unusual weight gain or loss

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Ursodiol for pets

thumbs-up

Pros

Well tolerated in dogs and cats

Can also get a special liquid version of the medication if your pet has trouble swallowing pills

Might improve your pet’s quality of life

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Cons

Doesn’t work for all types of gallstones

Might not be a safe option for pets with a blocked bile duct or pancreas problems

Stops working once your pet stops the medication

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Ursodiol for pets

pharmacist

  • Ursodiol works best if your pet takes it with food. You can try hiding the tablet or capsule in your pet’s food when they take it. Or, you can feed your pet before giving the medication.

    • Don't cut ursodiol tablets or open the capsules unless your veterinarian says it's okay. Only the ursodiol 500 mg tablets have a line across them called a score line. This line shows where you can break the tablet in half. You can keep the half-tablets of the 500 mg tablets in the original bottle for up to 28 days before they're no longer safe for your pet.

      • Your vet might prescribe a liquid version of ursodiol that’s made by a compounding pharmacy. This is an option if your pet’s dose isn’t available in pill form or if your pet has trouble taking the pill.

        • For compounded liquid ursodiol: Follow your pharmacist and vet’s instructions for how much of the liquid to give to your pet and how to store it. Always use a dosing syringe or cup from the pharmacy to measure out the medication so your pet gets the right dose. Don’t use household spoons since your pet might not get the correct dose if you use them.

          • Talk to your pharmacist or vet before giving your pet other medications. Most are safe to take with ursodiol. But it can interact with some medications. Examples include sucralfate, cholestyramine, and antacids containing aluminum like Mylanta.

            faqs

            Frequently asked questions about Ursodiol for pets

            Can you give Denamarin and ursodiol to dogs together?
            Yes, vets sometimes give Denamarin and ursodiol together to dogs. Denamarin is a supplement for dogs that’s marketed to help with liver health. It contains two ingredients: s-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) and silymarin (milk thistle). Denamarin and ursodiol are safe to use together, and they help protect the liver in different ways. Talk to your vet about how to use both for your dog.
            Is ursodiol safe for dogs?
            Ursodiol is safe and doesn’t cause many side effects for most dogs. But it might not be the best choice for dogs with problems from gallstones. These problems include a blocked bile duct, swelling in the gallbladder, and swelling in the pancreas. These dogs might need to be watched closely to make sure their condition doesn’t get worse while taking ursodiol. Ask your vet if ursodiol is a good option for your dog.
            Is there an ursodiol liquid for cats?
            Manufacturers only make ursodiol as tablets or capsules. But your vet might prescribe a liquid version that’s made by a compounding pharmacy for your cat. This is helpful if your cat needs a different dose or has trouble taking pills. Follow your vet and pharmacist’s directions for giving the ursodiol liquid and storing it correctly.
            Can ursodiol cause diarrhea in dogs?
            Yes. Some dogs taking ursodiol can have diarrhea, but it’s often rare. If your dog has diarrhea, try not giving them food for several hours, then offer small, bland meals. This might help ease their stomach upset. Make sure they drink plenty of water so they stay hydrated. If the diarrhea doesn’t get better or gets worse, call a vet.
            Can you open ursodiol capsules for pets?
            Ask your vet first if you can open the ursodiol capsule to give it to your pet. This is important to make sure your pet gets the right dose. If your vet says it’s okay, be sure to follow their instructions. Some vets might say that you can sprinkle the powder from the capsule onto food or give it with a treat. It’s best to give the medication with food so it works well. Food also helps mask the bitter taste of the powder.
            Do you give ursodiol for dogs with or without food?
            Give your dog ursodiol with food. Food helps the medication work the best it can to help with your dog’s gallbladder or liver problem. It also helps cover up the bitter taste of the medication.
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            What are the risks and warnings for Ursodiol for pets?

            Ursodiol can cause some serious health issues. This risk might be even higher for certain pets. If this worries you, talk to your veterinarian about other options.

            risk-warning

            Worsening of certain gallbladder, liver, and pancreas problems

            • Risk factors: Blocked bile duct or liver | Pancreatitis

              Talk to your vet if your pet has a blocked gallbladder, bile duct, or liver. Also talk to them if your pet has other liver problems or pancreatitis (swelling of the pancreas). They can make sure ursodiol is safe for your pet to take.

              Giving ursodiol to pets with these medical conditions can make their health worse. Call the vet if you see signs that your pet’s condition is getting worse while taking this medication. Watch for signs like yellowing of the eyes, gums or skin; being very sleepy; not wanting to eat; or vomiting.

              dosage

              Ursodiol dosage forms

              The average cost for 30 tablets of 250mg of Ursodiol is $15.60 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 72.49% off the average retail price of $56.71.
              capsule
              Capsule
              DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
              300mg60 capsules$25.80$0.43
              tablet
              Tablet
              DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
              250mg30 tablets$15.60$0.52
              500mg60 tablets$40.50$0.68

              Typical dosing for Ursodiol for pets

              The ursodiol dose is based on your pet’s weight.

              The typical dose for dogs and cats is 10 mg/kg to 15 mg/kg by mouth once a day with food. Certain pets might need to take ursodiol twice a day.

              interactions

              Interactions between Ursodiol and other drugs for pets

              Ursodiol might interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your veterinarian know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that your pet is currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Ursodiol. Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

              Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

              drug-cost

              How much does Ursodiol cost?

              To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
              Actigall (brand)
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              $15.60

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              Ursodiol (generic)
              GoodRx lowest price

              $15.60

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              alternatives

              What are alternatives to Ursodiol for pets?

              There might be medications that your veterinarian can prescribe in place of Ursodiol. Compare a few possible alternatives below.
              Ursodiol
              Used for:

              • Gallstones made of cholesterol in dogs and cats

              • Gallbladder problems in dogs and cats (e.g., too much gallbladder sludge, inflammation)

              • Inflammation related to liver problems in dogs and cats

              $15.60 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
              Prednisone
              Used for:
              $2.40 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
              images

              Ursodiol images

              White Oblong P 412 And Logo 256 - Ursodiol 250mg Tablet
              This medicine is White, Oblong Tablet Imprinted With "Logo 256" And "P 412".White Oblong P 412 And Logo 256 - Ursodiol 250mg Tablet
              White Oval Urs 785 - Ursodiol 250mg Tablet
              This medicine is White, Oval Tablet Imprinted With "Urs 785".White Oval Urs 785 - Ursodiol 250mg Tablet
              White Oval 250 And G 7-2 - Ursodiol 250mg Tablet
              This medicine is White, Oval Tablet Imprinted With "250" And "G 7-2".White Oval 250 And G 7-2 - Ursodiol 250mg Tablet
              White Oval 250 And G 7-2 - Ursodiol 250mg Tablet
              This medicine is White, Oval Tablet Imprinted With "250" And "G 7-2".White Oval 250 And G 7-2 - Ursodiol 250mg Tablet

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