Chenodiol

Chenodiol is a prescription medication indicated for the dissolution of gallstones; effective only in treating cholesterol-rich, radiolucent gallstones (not radiopaque stones) in well-opacifying gallbladders.

• Chenodiol is available under the following different brand names: Chenodal

Common side effects of Chenodiol include:

• increased aminotransferase (mainly serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase)
• higher cholecystectomy rates
• diarrhea
• cramps
• heartburn
• constipation
• nausea and vomiting
• loss of appetite
• upset stomach
• gas
• abdominal pain
• increased cholesterol

Serious side effects of Chenodiol include:

• hives
• difficulty breathing
• swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• yellowing of the eyes or skin (jaundice)
• dark urine
• unusual or extreme tiredness
• severe stomach pain
• persistent nausea
• persistent vomiting
• itching

Rare side effects of Chenodiol include:

• none

Seek medical care or call 911 at once if you have the following serious side effects:

• Severe headache, confusion, slurred speech, arm or leg weakness, trouble walking, coordination loss, unsteady, very stiff muscles, high fever, profuse sweating, or tremors
• Serious eye symptoms such as sudden vision loss, blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain or swelling, or seeing halos around lights
• Serious heart symptoms include fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeats; fluttering in the chest; shortness of breath; sudden dizziness, lightheadedness, or passing out

This is not a complete list of side effects and other serious side effects or health problems that may occur because of the use of this drug. Call your doctor for medical advice about serious side effects or adverse reactions. You may report side effects or health problems to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Adult dosage

Radiolucent gallstone dissolution

• Monotherapy: 250 mg orally every 12 hours for 2 weeks initially, then increase by 250 mg/day at weekly intervals, up to 13-16 mg/kg/day divided every 12 hours orally

Dosage Considerations – Should be Given as Follows:

• See "Dosages"

If your medical doctor is using this medicine to treat your pain, your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor, healthcare provider, or pharmacist first.

• Chenodiol has severe interactions with no other drugs
• Chenodiol has serious interactions with no other drugs
• Chenodiol has moderate interactions with the following drugs:
  • aluminum hydroxide
  • calcium carbonate
  • crofelemer
  • eluxadoline
  • sodium bicarbonate
  • sodium citrate/citric acid
  • warfarin
• Chenodiol has minor interactions with the following drugs:
  • cholestyramine
  • colesevelam
  • colestipol

This information does not contain all possible interactions or adverse effects. Visit the RxList Drug Interaction Checker for any drug interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist about all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications and share this information with your doctor and pharmacist. Check with your healthcare professional or doctor for additional medical advice, health questions, or concerns.

Contraindications

• Gallstone complication requiring surgery
• Known hepatocyte or bile ductal abnormalities, inflammatory bowel disease
• Pregnancy

Effects of drug abuse

• None

Short-Term Effects

• See "What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Chenodiol?"

Long-Term Effects

• See "What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Chenodiol?"

Cautions

• Orphan drug status, for use in surgical high-risk patients with radiolucent stones
• Breastfeeding
• Concomitant use with clofibrate
• Hepatotoxicity
• Dose-related diarrhea occurs
• 50% of cases have a stone recurrence in 5 years

Pregnancy and Lactation

• Do not use during pregnancy
• Lactation
  • Unknown whether chenodiol is distributed into breast milk, avoid using it in nursing women