Ursodeoxycholic Acid Definition

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Ursodeoxycholic Acid:

An epimer of chenodeoxycholic acid. It is a mammalian bile acid found first in the bear and is apparently either a precursor or a product of chenodeoxycholate. Its administration changes the composition of bile and may dissolve gallstones. It is used as a cholagogue and choleretic.

Synonym: ursacholic acid, deoxyursocholic acid, ursolvan, ursodiol, sodium ursodeoxycholate.