Classification, indications, how to take

Bile-excreting drugs (or choleretic, as they are also called by doctors) are drugs that improve liver function, due to which the secretion of bile is increased. The effect of such drugs is to increase the secretion of bile into the intestinal cavity or to increase the amount of acids in the bile. Some types of drugs have both properties.

Operating principle

Usually, doctors prescribe choleretic drugs to treat diseases of the bile ducts, gallbladder, or liver.

The therapeutic effect is achieved due to:

• reducing the viscosity of bile;
• providing an anti-inflammatory effect on the body;
• relieving spasms of the sphincter and biliary tract;
• improvement of peristalsis;
• acceleration of digestive processes in the body;
• preventing the appearance of gallstones;
• accelerating the movement of bile through the ducts;
• normalization of the chemical composition of bile;
• an increase in the amount of bile produced in the cells of the liver parenchyma (hepatocytes).

On a note! Due to these medicinal properties, choleretic agents are rightfully considered one of the most popular drugs in medical practice. As a rule, choleretic drugs are prescribed by gastroenterologists and therapists, but this can also be done by surgeons or family doctors.

Indications for use

Consider the most common diseases in which patients are prescribed bile-excreting drugs:

• liver steatosis or fatty degeneration;
• cirrhosis of the liver;
• lamblia in the gallbladder and liver;
• the development of postcholecystectomy syndrome (PCES);
• inflammation of the bile ducts (cholangitis);
• biliary dyskinesia (biliary tract dyskinesia);
• cholelithiasis or cholelithiasis;
• inflammation of the gallbladder (cholecystitis);
• different types of chronic hepatitis.

When diagnosing any of the above diseases, the patient is prescribed a therapeutic course, which must necessarily include the intake of choleretic drugs.

Classification of drugs

All drugs designed to normalize the production of bile in the body are divided into several groups according to the principle of action:

• choleretics - these are choleretic drugs that increase the concentration of acids in bile;
• cholekinetics - drugs that increase the muscle tone of the patient's gallbladder. Due to this, the outflow of bile increases;
• cholespasmolytics - a group of choleretic drugs that have a relaxing effect on the bile ducts;
• drugs that promote decrease the tendency of bile to form stones.

It should be noted that this classification is conditional, since all bile-excreting drugs have all these properties. The main difference is that some properties in certain products can be more pronounced. According to the predominance of the effect, the division into types was made.

Table. Review of effective biliary drugs.

Name of the drug, photo	Description
"Allohol"	A common diuretic that comes in pill form. Dried bile of bovine acts as an active substance. The action of the drug is to reduce fermentation processes, improve the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, as well as enhance the liver. Despite all its useful functions, the remedy can cause side reactions, including diarrhea or allergies.
"Holosas"	An excellent drug belonging to the group of choleretics. Due to the content of active substances, the agent is able to increase the volume of bile in the body, enhancing its secretion. The drug is often used in the treatment of inflammatory processes, but in this case it is advisable to supplement it with antibacterial agents (to improve the effect). He practically has no contraindications, except perhaps for individual intolerance to individual components.
"Nikodin"	Biliary choleretic drug with bactericidal, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. It has a positive effect on the patient's liver. The drug is often prescribed for the treatment of infectious diseases. In this case, its effect is enhanced with antibacterial drugs.
"Tanacekhol"	Dehydrocholic acid acts as an active component of this drug. The drug is recommended to be taken before meals. Its action is to improve the secretion of bile in the body. In addition, the remedy also has diuretic properties. The positive effect of the drug can be seen within 1.5-2 hours after application.
"Cholenzym"	An effective choleretic medication, which contains special enzymes and bile acids. Due to this, the pancreas receives a sufficient amount of nutrients, which leads to an increase in the amount of salts in bile. Also, the composition of the drug includes trixin and amylase, thanks to which the digestive processes are improved (appetite increases, the absorption of food improves). The tool has a mild analgesic effect on the body.
"Ursosan"	An excellent drug based on animal components of natural origin. It contains bile bile, due to which the drug has choleretic properties. Regular use of the product helps to improve the functioning of the pancreas and intestines, and the processes of fat breakdown are activated. It is prescribed for the treatment of gallstone disease, chronic pancreatitis and other pathologies. You need to take 2 tablets after each meal.

On a note! Many drugs are available without a prescription, but this does not mean that you can choose them yourself for the treatment of the pancreas or gallbladder. Only the attending physician, after conducting a diagnostic examination, will be able to determine which particular remedy is best suited in this case. You can only trust your health to a qualified specialist.

Drugs prescribed for children

Therapy of stagnation of bile in children consists in taking funds aimed at improving intestinal motility and normalizing the secretion of bile in the body. The following drugs work best with this task:

• Holaflux - a drug, the action of which is to stimulate the secretory functions of the patient's gallbladder;
• "Holagogum" - a bile-excreting drug with anti-inflammatory properties. It fights spasms in the intestines, accelerates the breakdown of cholesterol, and also improves secretory functions;
• Flamin - a common drug prescribed to children as a means of normalizing the secretion of bile in the body.

As a supplement, children can be prescribed special formulations of natural origin, prepared on the basis of essential oils of mint, spinach and turmeric. Thanks to natural ingredients, such formulations are considered absolutely safe for health.

Are there any contraindications

Like all medications, bile-excreting drugs also have some contraindications. Doctors conditionally divide them into two groups - relative and absolute. But depending on the specific clinical case, these circumstances may change.

Now let's look at each of the groups separately:

• relative contraindications include liver dystrophy and acute hepatitis;
• absolute contraindications include peptic ulcer of the duodenum and stomach, acute pancreatitis, obstructive jaundice (pathology associated with forced stagnation of bile in the patient's body).

There is one more contraindication - andindividual intolerance to the drug or its individual components. All bile-excreting drugs are considered potent, therefore, their incorrect use (non-compliance with dosage, frequency of administration) can lead to serious complications. Before using this or that drug, it is imperative to consult a doctor.

Video - Drugs for the treatment of bile stagnation