Medicines and Products for Gallstones

Medicines have a limited role in gallstones. Surgery is the definite treatment for stones that cause symptoms. A doctor chooses medicines based on scans, symptoms and other health conditions.

For pain and nausea

• Pain relievers and anti-spasm medicines: used for colic as advised by a doctor
• Anti-nausea medicines: for vomiting
• Avoid taking repeated painkillers on your own to mask pain. Persistent pain needs examination.

Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA)

This is a bile acid tablet. It can dissolve small cholesterol stones in selected people, but it works slowly over many months to years, stones often return after stopping, and it does not suit most patients. It is also used after weight-loss surgery to lower stone risk. It needs a specialist's advice.

For infection

Antibiotics and drips are used in hospital for gallbladder or duct infection.

Products to be careful with

• Herbal "gallstone dissolver" tablets and liver flush kits are not proven and some contain unlisted ingredients
• Hormonal pills and some cholesterol medicines can affect stone risk, so tell your doctor about all you take

Key points

• Do not start or stop prescription medicines without advice.
• Medicines do not remove stones in most people.
• Fever, jaundice or severe pain needs same-day care, or call 112 or 102.

What to tell your doctor

Share all medicines, supplements and herbal products you use, any family history of gallstones, and whether you are pregnant or planning pregnancy. This helps choose safe pain relief and avoid drugs that raise stone risk.