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Chenodiol

Generic name: chenodiol (chenodeoxycholic acid) [ KEE-noe-DYE-ol ]
Brand name: Chenodal
Dosage form: oral tablet (250 mg)
Drug class: Gallstone solubilizing agents

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Apr 6, 2023. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is chenodiol?

Chenodiol is made from bile acid, a substance that occurs naturally in the body.

Chenodiol is used to dissolve gallstones in people who cannot have gallbladder surgery.

Chenodiol may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Chenodiol side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Chenodiol may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

Common side effects of chenodiol may include:

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

You should not use chenodiol if you have liver disease, cirrhosis, or certain conditions that cause an obstruction in your digestive system.

Chenodiol can harm an unborn baby or cause birth defects. Do not use if you are pregnant.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use chenodiol if you are allergic to it, or if:

To make sure chenodiol is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have a history of liver problems or jaundice.

Do not use chenodiol if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby or cause birth defects. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are using this medicine.

It is not known whether chenodiol passes into breast milk or if it could affect the nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding.

How should I take chenodiol?

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take chenodiol in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Chenodiol is usually taken 2 times each day until your gallstones are completely dissolved. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Chenodiol is usually given for no longer than 2 years.

Use chenodiol regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.

It may take up to 12 months before your symptoms improve. Keep using the medication as directed and tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 6 months of treatment.

While using chenodiol, you may need frequent blood tests. You may also need an occasional ultrasound or x-ray examination of your gallbladder.

Chenodiol is only part of a complete program of treatment that may also include weight control and a special diet. Follow the diet plan created for you by your doctor or nutrition counselor. Get familiar with the list of foods you must avoid to help control your condition.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.

Even with treatment, there is a chance that your gallstones may return within 5 years. Talk to your doctor about your specific risk. Chenodiol will not prevent gallstones from occurring.

Chenodiol dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Gallbladder Disease:

Initial dose: 250 mg orally 2 times a day
Maintenance dose: 13 to 16 mg/kg/day in 2 divided doses
Duration of therapy: 24 months

Comments:
-After the first 2 weeks, the dose should be increased by 250 mg/day each week thereafter until the recommended or maximum tolerated dose is reached.
-Doses less than 10 mg/kg were usually ineffective and may be associated with an increased risk of cholecystectomy.
-Oral cholecystograms or ultrasonograms should be conducted at 6 to 9 months.
-Most patients who achieve complete dissolution will show at least partial dissolution at the first on-treatment test. Complete dissolution should be confirmed with oral cholecystogram or ultrasonogram after 1 to 3 months of continued treatment.

Use: Patients with radiolucent stones in well-opacifying gallbladders, in whom selective surgery would be undertaken except for the presence of increased surgical risk due to systemic disease/age

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking chenodiol?

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity. Avoid eating foods that are high in fat or cholesterol.

What other drugs will affect chenodiol?

Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or stop using, especially:

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with chenodiol, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.