Ursodiol
Actigall, Urso (human) · generic ursodiol
Ursodiol is a bile acid that vets prescribe for chronic liver disease, gallbladder mucoceles and sludge, and some inherited liver conditions in dogs and cats. It is a human generic that any pharmacy can fill, with capsules, tablets and a suspension that are priced quite differently.
What it is used for
Ursodeoxycholic acid is a naturally occurring bile acid that thins bile, improves its flow and protects liver cells from the toxic effects of other bile acids. In dogs it is used for chronic hepatitis, gallbladder mucocele (often with diet change, and sometimes instead of or after surgery), and bile sludge; in cats for cholangitis and some forms of liver disease. It is given once or twice a day with food, often for months or years.
The human capsules and tablets are what pharmacies dispense; a vet doses by weight. It is very well tolerated, with occasional diarrhoea or vomiting. Vets check liver values periodically and sometimes repeat an ultrasound to see whether the gallbladder has cleared.
Safety points that differ from human use
- Not for an animal with a complete bile duct obstruction; the vet rules that out with ultrasound first.
- Give with food, which improves absorption.
- Tell the vet about antacids and cholestyramine, which reduce absorption if given at the same time.
- Capsules (human)
- Tablets (human)
- Oral suspension (human)
- Compounded liquids and small capsules for cats
- 250 and 300 mg capsules
- 250 and 500 mg tablets
- Suspension 250 mg per 5 mL
The 500 mg tablet is scored; cats and small dogs usually need a capsule opened and divided by the vet’s instruction, or a compounded preparation.
Why the cash price varies
Ursodiol is generic but is a specialty item that pharmacies stock less widely and buy at a higher cost than ordinary generics; capsules and tablets are often priced very differently at the same pharmacy, and the suspension costs more than either. A pharmacy that must order it in may quote higher. Compounded cat doses are made to order.
How to pay less
- Ask the vet whether capsules or tablets would suit your pet, and ask the pharmacy to quote both.
- For long-term use, ask for a ninety-day prescription and compare a second pharmacy.
- For a cat, ask whether a divided capsule is practical before paying for compounding.
- Upload the prescription to Script Unlock so licensed pharmacies can quote. You pay the pharmacy directly.
Questions for your vet
- What is this treating, and how will we know it is working?
- Capsules, tablets or a liquid for my pet?
- How long is the course likely to be?
- Should it be given with food, and separated from other medicines?
- When is the next liver test or ultrasound?
Rules on refills, transfers and controlled substances differ by state; see pharmacy rules by state.
How Script Unlock gets you a cash price for your pet’s ursodiol prescription
Prices on this site come from pharmacies responding to a real prescription. We do not publish estimated, average or "typical" prices, because none of those would be your price.
- 1You upload your prescription
A photo of your your pet’s ursodiol prescription prescription is enough. Nothing is sold on the site; you are asking pharmacies to quote.
- 2Licensed pharmacies respond
Pharmacies that Script Unlock has verified see the request and each can reply with its own cash price for your exact drug, strength and quantity.
- 3You choose and pay the pharmacy
You compare the responses, pick a pharmacy, and pay that pharmacy directly when you collect. Script Unlock never takes a patient payment and never sets the price.
Related pet medications
Sources
- Merck Veterinary Manual
- FDA Orange Book (approved generics and therapeutic equivalence)
- MedlinePlus drug information (National Library of Medicine)
Written by the Script Unlock editorial team from the sources above. Not yet reviewed by a veterinarian or veterinary pharmacist. Last checked 2026-10-03. Nothing here replaces your vet\u2019s directions; doses for animals are set by weight and species.
Script Unlock is a marketplace that lets licensed pharmacies quote a cash price on your prescription. It does not prescribe, dispense or sell medication, does not process patient payments, and does not give medical advice. Always follow the instructions of your prescriber and pharmacist and read the medication guide supplied with your medicine.