Livagoal capsules are an important medication for treating some liver and gallbladder diseases. It contains the active ingredient ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) at a concentration of 450 mg per capsule. Ursodeoxycholic acid is a secondary bile acid produced by the body in small quantities, but when administered as a medicine, it becomes the predominant bile acid in bile, altering its properties and contributing to the treatment of many diseases related to the biliary system. Livagoal is effective in improving bile flow and reducing the toxicity of some accumulated bile acids. It also plays a role in helping dissolve cholesterol gallstones, making it a valuable treatment option for many patients.
The active ingredient in Livagoal capsules
The therapeutic efficacy of Livagoal capsules depends primarily on the following active ingredient:
Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA): 450 mg per capsule. Ursodeoxycholic acid is also available in other strengths, such as 250 mg and 500 mg. The 450 mg strength allows for carefully calculated daily doses based on the patient's weight and the condition being treated.
Mechanism of Action of Livagoal Capsules
Ursodeoxycholic acid works through multiple and complex mechanisms that affect bile production, composition, and flow, in addition to its effects on the liver and gallbladder. Its primary mechanism of action includes:
Changing the composition of bile: When ursodeoxycholic acid is ingested, it becomes the main bile acid in bile. This reduces the concentration of other bile acids that may be toxic to liver cells. It also reduces bile saturation by reducing cholesterol absorption from the intestine and its synthesis in the liver. This change in composition helps dissolve cholesterol gallstones and prevent the formation of new ones.
Increasing bile flow: Ursodeoxycholic acid stimulates liver cells to secrete more bile and increases its flow through the bile ducts. This helps relieve cholestasis that occurs in some biliary diseases.
Hepatoprotective effects: Ursodeoxycholic acid is believed to have protective effects on liver cells by reducing the toxicity of other bile acids, protecting cells from damage, and promoting their survival.
Immune effects: It may have some immunomodulatory effects that may be beneficial in autoimmune diseases affecting the liver, such as primary biliary cirrhosis.
Indications for use of Livagoal capsules
Livagoal capsules are used to treat the following conditions, based on a physician's assessment:
Treatment of primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC): a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the bile ducts within the liver and eventually leads to cirrhosis. Ursodeoxycholic acid helps slow disease progression, improve liver function, and reduce symptoms such as itching and fatigue. Dissolving radiolucent gallstones: These are gallstones that do not show up on x-rays and are primarily composed of cholesterol. Livagoal is used to dissolve these stones in patients with a functioning gallbladder, meaning the gallbladder is still able to contract and empty. It is not used to dissolve calcareous or very large gallstones.
Other biliary diseases: It may be used to treat some other biliary diseases in children and adults, such as cystic fibrosis accompanied by liver disease, according to the specialist's assessment.
How to use Livagoal capsules
Livagoal capsules should be taken orally exactly as directed by your doctor. The daily dose depends on the patient's weight and the condition being treated. General directions for use include:
The capsules should be taken with a sufficient amount of water.
The total daily dose may be divided into two or three doses throughout the day, usually with meals. For gallstone dissolution, the full daily dose may be taken once in the evening.
You must adhere to the prescribed dose and the duration of treatment determined by your doctor. Treatment for primary biliary cirrhosis or gallstone dissolution may require a long period of time, potentially lasting several months or years.
Do not change the dose or stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.