How to dissolve gallstones using drugs

Cholelithiasis is a common pathology of the biliary system, which requires immediate treatment. In the early stages of the pathological process, gallstones are treated with tablets that break up the stones. Their action is aimed at normalizing the rheological properties of bile, reducing existing stones and preventing the formation of new ones.

The mechanism of the appearance of conglomerates

The functionality of the gallbladder is directly related to the activity of liver hepatocytes, which produce bile and cholesterol.
If a person does not have any disturbances in the functioning of the organs of the biliary system, then the digestive secretion is excreted through the ducts into the gallbladder and duodenum. When the rheological properties of bile are disrupted, a sediment appears in it, which over time transforms into stones. GSD provokes the formation of the following types of stones in the gallbladder:

• Mixed. Stones consist of calcium salts, bilirubin, cholesterol;
• Cholesterol. Stones occur when there is an increased concentration of cholesterol in the bloodstream;
• Bilirubin. Conglomerates are created on the basis of bilirubin and calcium salts.

Before medical treatment of gallstones, a comprehensive examination is prescribed. As part of the diagnosis, probing of the duodenum is performed. The procedure is accompanied by the collection of bile to study its composition in the laboratory. X-ray examinations using contrast agents are widely prescribed. If there are cholesterol conglomerates, the stones will appear as a horizontal layer on x-ray.

Important! Drugs for the treatment of cholelithiasis can only cope with cholesterol stones. If the stones are of a different type, then surgical treatment or crushing is indicated.

The essence of the action of drugs that dissolve gallstones

Is it possible to dissolve gallstones? The question requires examining the basic science of the disease. Medicine for gallstones only helps with cholesterol structures inside the organ. If the stones contain calcium ions, taking the tablets is useless. To dissolve the mineral, aggressive reagents are needed. These will also harm the body. Cholesterol stones also soften under the influence of gentle compounds. The tablets will help the patient avoid surgery.

To clarify the structure of neoplasms, it is necessary to carry out diagnostic tests:

• x-ray (oral cholecystography);
• duodenal sounding.

Drug treatment of gallstones is based on the action of the active components of the drugs. One of these components is ursodesocholic acid. In its pure form it is a water-soluble yellowish powder. In the body, acid promotes the growth of beneficial microflora.

Being an acid, the ursodeoxycholic compound dissolves gallstones. The substance is natural to the body and is produced by the liver. However, in humans, the percentage of ursodesocholic acid in bile is less than 10. More is needed to dissolve conglomerates. For medicines, the substance is synthesized artificially, or taken from the liver secretions of cattle, bears, and wolves.

Medicines based on the ursodesocholic compound have several effects:

• suppresses cholesterol synthesis in liver cells;
• inhibits the process of cholesterol accumulation;
• stimulates the synthesis of bile fluid;
• promotes the detachment of cholesterol layers from the surface of stones.

Thus, the medicine against gallstones without surgery separates solid particles into small ones, gradually destroying them completely. The dissolution of gallstones is completed by the formation of microcrystals. They penetrate the intestinal ducts and are naturally pushed out from there.

When dealing with gallstones, it is important to exclude medications that increase lithogenicity. The term means promoting the formation of solid masses. Thus, nicotinic acid is capable of dissolving gallstones, but at the same time leads to the progression of the disease.

It is important to understand that the medicinal method of dissolving stones is an opportunity to preserve the gallbladder. He is not irreplaceable. But without an organ, a person has to get used to a number of restrictions and some discomfort.

Uric acid is one of the acids that only promotes the formation of conglomerates. General knowledge of chemistry is not enough to choose the right medicine. A doctor's prescription is required.

Principles of drug therapy

During conservative therapy it is necessary to follow a dietary diet. The therapeutic diet involves eliminating foods that contain large amounts of cholesterol. This compound provokes dysfunction of the organs of the biliary system, so sand and large conglomerates will appear in the bile.

Drugs for dissolving gallstones are prescribed individually, taking into account the rate of progression of cholelithiasis. Regular use of medications promotes the gradual crushing, dissolution and removal of stones from the body. Treatment should be prescribed only by a qualified specialist, this will reduce the risk of complications and serious consequences.

During the treatment of cholelithiasis, the following drugs are prescribed to dissolve stones:

• Bile acid tablets. This group includes drugs with ursodeoxycholic acid (Ursofalk, Ursohol, Ursosan) and chenodeoxycholic acid (Henochol, Henofalk, Henosan);
• Herbal preparation Ziflan;
• Products based on plant terpenes.

Important! Cholecystectomy is indicated for the treatment of chronic calculous cholecystitis, gangrenous and purulent inflammation of the digestive organ, with numerous stones or large stones.

Basic principles of drug treatment

Medicines for gallstones enter into chemical reactions with these formations and help dissolve them. They are available in tablet form and are taken in long courses. The main purpose of taking such medications is to restore the composition of bile and gradually destroy stones.

Drug therapy for gallstone disease can be used for several purposes:

• for the destruction of small stones;
• to soften stones before removing them using minimally invasive methods.

Gallstones form gradually. First, the bile becomes thicker, and the mechanisms of its outflow are disrupted. As a result, sediment (sand) forms in the organ cavity, which can then transform into stones. The mechanism by which stones appear depends on their chemical composition, but in most cases is associated with poor diet and metabolic disorders.

Before starting treatment, it is important to determine the size, shape and chemical composition of gallstones

Cholesterol stones often form when consuming large amounts of animal fats. They contain cholesterol, which precipitates on the walls of blood vessels and in the cavities of some internal organs. It forms dense formations in the gallbladder. You can get rid of them by normalizing your diet and taking medications. Pigment stones are also treatable, since their substances enter into chemical reactions with the components of the drugs. Stones that contain calcium salts can only be removed surgically, since medications will not affect them.

Products based on bile acids

Bile acid preparations allow dissolving stones in the gallbladder, the intake of which normalizes the balance between endogenous bile acids and cholesterol. This causes cholesterol to slowly peel off from the loose surface of the stones. As a result, the stone gradually fragments, and the resulting microcrystals leave the body along with bile through the intestines.

Medicines must be taken for a long time (from 6 months to 2 years) before bedtime. Then only prophylactic doses of drugs are prescribed. To monitor the effectiveness of treatment, ultrasound of the hepatobiliary system should be performed twice a year. However, after discontinuation of the drug, stones may appear again.

When are medications prescribed?

Medicines for gallstone disease based on cheno- and ursodeoxycholic acids are prescribed in the following situations:

• The diameter of the stones does not exceed 15 mm;
• There are no conglomerates in the biliary tract;
• Stones occupy less than 50% of the cavity of the digestive organ;
• Body weight does not exceed the age norm;
• In the absence of severe pain;
• Motility of the digestive organ is preserved
• There are no signs of acute cholecystitis or severe liver pathologies.

During periods of exacerbation of diseases of the digestive organs, the use of this group of medications is contraindicated.

Features of application

Medicines based on bile acids should not be prescribed together with oral hormonal contraceptives (Yarina, Diane-35), antacids (Maalox, Almagel), Cholestyramine, which is taken to eliminate excess cholesterol.

The use of drugs to remove stones should be avoided if the following conditions exist:

• Development of acute cholecystitis;
• Liver pathologies;
• Ulcer of the duodenum or stomach;
• The period of gestation and natural feeding of a child.

Important! Medicines should be selected by the attending physician on an individual basis, taking into account the severity of the pathological process and the presence of concomitant pathologies of the digestive organs.

Do drugs for dissolving stones always help?

Before starting treatment, a complete diagnosis must be carried out, during which the size and origin of gallstones are determined. To do this, you should obtain the results of ultrasound and radiography, and, if necessary, probing of the gallbladder. The upcoming treatment tactics for gallstone disease will depend on this.

There are several options for getting rid of stones. The most radical of them is the complete removal of the organ along with its contents. As a result of such an operation, the patient fully recovers within several months and can continue to live his normal life. Drug treatment is longer and involves taking drugs that break up stones. However, this method will not be effective in all cases.

In order for stone pills to work, the following conditions are necessary:

Why are gallstones dangerous?

• according to the chemical structure, the stones must be cholesterol - if they contain calcium compounds, surgery is immediately prescribed;
• the size of the largest formation does not exceed 2 cm;
• the gallbladder is filled with foreign contents no more than half;
• there are no stones in the bile ducts;
• the disease did not cause inflammation of the gallbladder (cholecystitis) or bile ducts (cholangitis);
• The patient's body weight is within the physiological norm.

Treatment with pills will be effective only if it is carried out in combination with a diet. If you continue to eat incorrectly and consume large amounts of fatty foods, the formations will not decrease and may even increase in size. Therapeutic nutrition involves a fractional regimen with 5-6 meals a day in small portions. The composition of the products and the method of their preparation are also important. The diet should be based on cereals, soups, lean boiled meats and fish, vegetables and fruits. Additionally, it is useful to consume fresh juices, herbal teas and infusions. You will have to give up fatty, fried, salty and floury foods - in most cases, they are the cause of the formation of gallstones.

Application of Ziflan supplement

The drug is based on immortelle extract, which stimulates the production of bile with normal rheological properties. This allows you to prevent the formation of new stones and synthesize bile acids using endogenous cholesterol. When reserves of the compound are depleted, cholesterol, which is located on the walls and vessels of the gallbladder, is used for synthesis.

Ziflan should be taken in courses, the duration of which is 1 month, and the interval is 2 weeks. The drug is taken orally, 1 capsule three times a day during meals. To normalize the patient's condition, no more than 2-3 courses are usually required over the course of a year. But with positive dynamics of the disease, the duration of therapy can be 2 years.

The drug should not be prescribed:

• Pregnant women;
• Mothers during lactation;
• Against the background of jaundice;
• If you have hypersensitivity to immortelle;
• In patients with arterial hypertension;
• If the child is under 12 years of age.

Important! Immortelle can accumulate in body tissues, so you should not take the medicine for more than 3 months in a row.

Types and classification of drugs

The main purpose of taking medications for gallstone disease is to dissolve the stones in the gallbladder and stimulate their elimination naturally. The duration of therapy can be up to several years, and during the treatment process it is necessary to undergo examinations to assess the effectiveness of the drugs.

All medications are divided into two groups - derivatives of bile acids and herbal remedies based on medicinal herbs. They must be taken in a course, in combination with choleretic agents and hepatoprotectors.

Bile acid-based products are a long-term, but non-invasive method of treating cholelithiasis

Bile acid derivatives

Bile contains specific compounds - bile acids. Some preparations for crushing stones contain their derivatives. They react with cholesterol, during which the stones gradually soften, decrease in size and are excreted through the bile ducts. This group of drugs can be divided into two categories:

• derivatives of ursodeoxycholic acid - Ursohol, Ursosan, Ursofalk;
• chenodeoxycholic acid compounds - Henochol, Henosan, Henofalk.

These drugs differ in composition and mechanism of action. Thus, ursodeoxycholic acid in the cavity of the gallbladder stimulates the natural breakdown of stones. It reduces the level of cholesterol secretion in the liver and at the same time increases the rate of formation of bile acids. To restore the balance of these elements in the bile, cholesterol begins to peel off from the surface of the stones and dissolve in the liquid. After some time, the stone becomes small and is excreted with bile into the lumen of the small intestine. Chenodeoxycholic acid reacts directly with the cholesterol of gallstones and causes their gradual softening.

For higher effectiveness, preparations of these two acids are prescribed simultaneously. Additionally, it is worth taking choleretic agents to normalize the outflow of bile and remove small formations. Treatment is prescribed for a period of one and a half years, and its results must be checked. In the absence of positive dynamics, the stones are removed surgically.

Bile acid preparations that dissolve stones are one of the most effective methods. Regular use of medications will allow you to completely get rid of small formations in the gallbladder cavity and maintain its function. However, these remedies do not eliminate the cause of gallstone disease. If the metabolism of cholesterol or bile pigments is disrupted, stones can form again even after a long time.

Immortelle-based products

One of the most famous preparations based on immortelle herb extract is Ziflan. Its mechanism of action is to stimulate the production of bile acids. Normally, this process occurs with the participation of free cholesterol. If there are stones in the gall bladder, the reserves of cholesterol deposits in the body gradually run out, so the components of the stones begin to be consumed. As a result of such reactions, the stones become soft and gradually dissolve. However, this process is lengthy, and the full course of treatment can last several years.

The medicine is available in the form of capsules, which must be taken 3 times a day with meals. The first course lasts no more than a month, after which the effectiveness is assessed using standard diagnostic methods. If positive dynamics are observed, therapy can be extended for several years until cholesterol deposits are completely dissolved. However, the drug puts a significant burden on the liver, so it is taken in short courses, with breaks between them. The maximum duration of one course is 3 months.

Ziflan is not combined with choleretic drugs. Such medications stimulate the contractile function of the gallbladder, as a result of which bile is excreted in excess. Together with the liquid, small stones can enter the lumen of the biliary tract, which injure their mucous membrane. This phenomenon is dangerous due to the development of cholangitis, blockage of the bile ducts and even their complete rupture with the release of bile into the abdominal cavity.

Herbal remedies for gallstone disease may be no less effective than chemically synthesized drugs

Terpene therapy

Is it possible to use medicinal herbs to crush stones? In case of illness in women and men, you can take Hepatofalk planta. This herbal combination product is based on celandine, milk thistle and Javan turmeric. The drug has a pronounced hepatoprotective and antitoxic effect.

Plant components promote the synthesis of proteins and phospholipids in hepatocytes, which provokes a powerful release of bile. The duration of therapy is determined individually, but usually the course does not exceed 3 months. Capsules should be taken no more than 3 times a day during meals. However, the drug is contraindicated in cases of obstruction of the bile ducts and congenital anomalies of the biliary system.

Popular names of herbal preparations

Herbal preparations that dissolve gallstones stimulate the liver to produce acids and destroy pathological formations.

You can dissolve gallstones using medicines based on immortelle extract. It has found application simultaneously in the pharmaceutical industry and folk recipes.

Yellow-brown flowers have a complex of positive properties:

• choleretic;
• anti-inflammatory;
• change the consistency of bile fluid.

Decoctions and tinctures from medicinal herbs normalize the levels of bilirubin ─ one of the bile pigments. At the same time, the production of cholesterol by the liver decreases. As a result, the dissolving drug reduces the gallstones.

Only small crystals can dissolve immortelle extract. These are called sand.

But, a herbal remedy:

• have almost no contraindications;
• does not lead to stone mobility.

Herbal products also come in tablet form. Medicine against gallstones does not require resorption. The capsules are swallowed whole.

The list of medications against gallstones can be extensive, but the most commonly prescribed dietary supplement is Ziflan. The principle of its action is not based on replacing acids, but on stimulating liver cells. Hepatocytes begin to produce bile more actively. Together with it, the necessary acids are synthesized, or rather, their precursors.

Ziflan remains effective for a long time after discontinuation. Cells work stably. Sometimes doctors recommend the drug to the patient as a preventive measure.

However, the dietary supplement has contraindications:

• allergic rashes to immortelle;
• time of gestation;
• feeding the baby with breast milk;
• age up to 12 years.

An alternative to dissolving gallstones with Ziflan is regular consumption of fresh juices. For example, beetroot helps.

Herbal remedies also regulate the balance of acids and cholesterol. Both the first and second are necessary for the body. Thus, not only stones are made from cholesterol, but also cell membranes. Maintaining balance is important. In a healthy body, 6 parts of acids should account for 1 part of cholesterol.

Monitoring of the effect of drugs is carried out at least once every six months, the control method is ultrasound examination of the biliary tract.

Other ways to remove stones

To effectively dissolve gallstones, gastroenterologists recommend taking medications based on herbal raw materials in parallel.

Ziflan is a preparation with an extract of sandy cumin flowers, or immortelle. It belongs to the group of food additives and is available in capsule form. Improves liver function, corrects cholesterol levels, dissolves stones in the initial stages of cholelithiasis. Prescribed as a monthly course according to the scheme. To make sure that Ziflan dissolves choleliths, it is necessary to periodically check the results with ultrasound before treatment and during the process.

Drug treatment of choleliths in the gallbladder can be supplemented with folk recipes:

• Treatment with plant terpenes, for example, decoctions of milk thistle, Javan turmeric, celandine, provoke the release of bile and have an effect similar to pharmaceutical hepatoprotectors.
• Juices from radishes, barberries, lingonberries, and strawberries enhance the choleretic effect and promote the rapid removal of small pebbles and sand from the gall bladder.
• Herbal infusions from dandelion roots, corn silk, and horsetail are prepared in the form of infusions or decoctions.
• A decoction of knotweed herb, red rowan fruits, and dill softens gallstones and helps remove them.

The diet of vegetarians should always include vegetable oils. They prevent stagnation of bile and promote the gentle movement of stones.

In the clinic, stone removal is carried out using a contact procedure. This method is based on the effect on choleliths of a special chemical substance, which is delivered using a probe. May cause side effects: severe pain and burning.

Treatment regimens

All of the above drugs are used for exacerbation and remission of the disease.

In case of exacerbation, a regimen from the following groups of drugs is prescribed:

• antispasmodics;
• non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
• antibiotics.

During the remission phase, the treatment regimen will consist of:

To prevent the disease, such enzyme substances are used, in particular Mezim and Festal.

It is worth noting that patients should not expect a positive effect from drug treatment of cholelithiasis in cases of addiction to junk food or addictions.

It is important to remember that it is best not to make independent attempts to eliminate symptoms and small stones, but rather to consult a specialist in a medical facility. Because only after laboratory and instrumental diagnostics will the doctor be able to establish the daily dosage and duration of taking a particular drug individually for each patient.

The main goal of conservative treatment of gallstone disease is to remove stones from the cavity of the gallbladder or its ducts. One of the ways to get rid of stones is to prescribe cholelitholytic therapy. The technique is based on the use of medications that can dissolve and remove stones from the human body. This measure allows you to effectively treat the pathology without resorting to surgery (resection of the gallbladder).

Contraindications to treatment

Tablets containing bile acids are allowed to be taken to cleanse cholesterol formations only if the patient is fine with the functioning of the gallbladder and there is no exacerbation of it. The bile ducts should be passable, and the stones should fill the bladder less than half. There should be no severe pain. If a person is obese, such cleansing will be less effective for him. Such drugs have a side effect - liver function decreases, because of this creatinine and urea accumulate in the blood. At risk are pregnant women, women during breastfeeding, patients with stomach and duodenal ulcers, patients with inflammation of the liver, gall bladder and tract.

Remember that cleansing stones with such means is not compatible with:

1. Hormonal contraceptives that contain estrogen.
2. Drugs that remove excess cholesterol from the body (“Cholestyramine”).
3. Medicines that provoke a decrease in stomach acidity (Almagel).

There are also warnings for cleansing with Ziflan. It is prohibited for pregnant women, as well as during lactation, people with individual intolerance to immortelle, and children under 12 years of age. For diseases such as jaundice and high blood pressure, this drug is also not used to clear stones. One of the negative effects on the body is the occurrence of allergic reactions. Considering that this is a herbal preparation that tends to accumulate in the tissues of the body, you should not drink it for more than 3 months in a row, even if the pain does not decrease.

Use during pregnancy and breastfeeding

Capsules

Take orally, without chewing, with plenty of water.

Diffuse liver diseases, cholelithiasis (cholesterol gallstones and biliary sludge): Exchol® is prescribed continuously for a long time (from several months to several years) at a daily dose of 10 to 12–15 mg/kg (2–5 caps.).

The duration of treatment for dissolving stones is until complete dissolution, plus another 3 months to prevent recurrence of stone formation. For diffuse liver diseases, the daily dose of Exchol® is divided into 2-3 doses, the capsules are taken with food.

For cholelithiasis, the entire daily dose is taken once at night.

Biliary reflux gastritis and reflux esophagitis: the drug is prescribed 250 mg/day (1 capsule), before bedtime. The course of treatment is from 10–14 days to 6 months, if necessary – up to 2 years.

After cholecystectomy, for the prevention of recurrent cholelithiasis: the recommended dose is 250 mg 2 times a day for several months.

Toxic, drug-induced liver damage, alcoholic liver disease and biliary atresia: the daily dose is set at 10-15 mg/kg in 2-3 doses. Duration of therapy is 6–12 months or more.

Primary biliary cirrhosis: the drug is prescribed at a rate of 10–15 mg/kg/day (if necessary, up to 20 mg/kg) in 2–3 doses. The duration of therapy is from 6 months to several years.

Primary sclerosing cholangitis: 12–15 mg/kg/day (up to 20 mg/kg) in 2–3 divided doses. The duration of therapy is from 6 months to several years.

Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis: 13–15 mg/kg/day in 2–3 divided doses. The duration of therapy is from 6 months to several years.

Cystic fibrosis: the dose is set at 20–30 mg/kg/day (up to 20 mg/kg) in 2–3 doses. The duration of therapy is from 6 months to several years. For children over 3 years of age, the dose of the drug is prescribed individually at a rate of 10–20 mg/kg/day.

Film-coated tablets

Dissolution of cholesterol gallstones. The recommended dose of Exchol® is 10 mg/kg/day.

The entire daily dose is taken once at night. The course of treatment is 6–12 months. To prevent the re-formation of stones, it is recommended to take the drug for several more months after the stones have dissolved.

Treatment of biliary reflux gastritis. 250 mg/day, before bedtime. The course of treatment is from 10–14 days to 6 months, if necessary – up to 2 years.

Symptomatic treatment of primary biliary cirrhosis. The daily dose depends on body weight and is 10–15 mg/kg/day (if necessary, up to 20 mg/kg) in 2–3 doses in the first 3 months of treatment.

After improvement of liver parameters, the daily dose can be used 1 time in the evening. The duration of treatment is not limited.

In rare cases, clinical symptoms may initially worsen (increased itching). In this case, you should reduce the daily dose, and then gradually increase the dosage (increasing the daily dose weekly) until the recommended dosage regimen is achieved.

Chronic hepatitis of various origins, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, alcoholic liver disease. The drug Exchol® is prescribed in a daily dose of 10–15 mg/kg UDCA in 2–3 doses, continuously for a long time (6–12 months or more).

Primary sclerosing cholangitis and cystic fibrosis (cystic fibrosis)

Primary sclerosing cholangitis: 12–15 mg/kg/day (up to 20 mg/kg/day) in 2–3 divided doses. Duration of use - from 6 months to several years.

Cystic fibrosis (cystic fibrosis): 20–30 mg/kg per day in 2–3 doses. Duration of use - from 6 months to several years.

Biliary dyskinesia. The average daily dose is 10 mg/kg in 2 divided doses for 2 weeks to 2 months.

If necessary, it is recommended to repeat the course of treatment. If it is impossible to comply with the dosage regimen, it is recommended to use the capsule dosage form, Exchol®, 250 mg.

For children over 3 years of age, UDCA is prescribed individually at a rate of 10–20 mg/kg/day.

Apple Juice and Apple Cider Vinegar for Gallstones!

There are golden words - “An apple a day and you are free from doctors.” If this somehow sounds different, be sure to correct it in the comments! For all its health benefits, the apple can also dissolve gallstones when consumed in any form - juice or apple cider vinegar.

Malic acid, which is present in apples, helps in dissolving gallstones, while vinegar prevents the accumulation of cholesterol, which is responsible for the formation of gallstones.

But remember that this magnificent fruit will only help you in its natural form or in the form of fresh squeezed juice, and not bought in a store. Likewise, vinegar should not be 9%, which is alcohol-based and is only called apple cider vinegar.

In fact, it is a very good natural remedy for the treatment and prevention of many ailments. Apple cider vinegar can quickly relieve the pain you feel during gallstones.

Also, once you get rid of gallstones, you should continue to eat apples.

You can actually make it a habit and make fresh raw apple juice or smoothie by combining it with other vegetables or fruits. Try grating and mixing with grated raw beets, 2 tablespoons olive oil and a splash of fresh lemon juice.