Biliary Obstruction Medication

Updated: Oct 16, 2019
  • Author: Jennifer Lynn Bonheur, MD; Chief Editor: Vinay K Kapoor, MBBS, MS, FRCSEd, FICS, FAMS  more...
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Medication

Medication Summary

Bile acid – binding resins and ursodeoxycholic acid are used to treat cholelithiasis when surgery is refused or is inappropriate. Normal gallbladder function must be established by oral cholecystography findings prior to the initiation of drug therapy.

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Gallstone solubilizing agents

Class Summary

Ursodeoxycholic acid (ursodiol) is a naturally occurring bile acid present in small quantities in human bile. Suppresses liver synthesis and secretion of cholesterol. Inhibits intestinal cholesterol absorption.

Ursodiol (Actigall)

Used to treat biliary stasis and dissolve gallstones.

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Narcotic antagonists

Class Summary

Endogenous opioids may effect pruritic development associated with cholestasis. Treatment with narcotic antagonists may attenuate pruritus.

Naloxone (Narcan)

Prevents or reverses opioid effects (eg, hypotension, respiratory depression, sedation, pruritus), possibly by displacing opiates from their receptors.

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Antibiotics

Class Summary

Rifampin, in particular, has been suggested as a treatment for cholestasis in certain patients. By reducing intestinal flora, it slows conversion of primary to more toxic secondary bile salts. Has also been shown to decrease serum levels of bilirubin and ALP, perhaps in part contributing to its effectiveness in minimizing associated pruritus.

Rifampin (Rifadin, Rifadin IV, Rimactane)

Inhibits DNA-dependent bacterial by binding to the beta subunit of DNA-dependent RNA polymerase, blocking RNA transcription.

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Bile acid–binding resins

Class Summary

Inhibit enterohepatic reuptake of intestinal bile salts.

Cholestyramine (Questran)

Acts as a cholesterol-lowering agent. Forms a nonabsorbable complex with bile acids in the intestine, which inhibits enterohepatic reuptake of intestinal bile salts.

Colestipol (Colestid)

Binds bile acids in the intestine, facilitates partial removal of bile acids from enterohepatic circulation, and prevents their reabsorption.

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