Chenodal

Pronunciation: KEE-noe-DYE-ol
Generic Name: Chenodiol
Brand Name: Chenodal

Chenodal is used for:

Treating gallstones in certain patients. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Chenodal is a bile acid naturally found in the body. It works by dissolving the cholesterol that makes gallstones and inhibiting production of cholesterol in the liver and absorption in the intestines, which helps to decrease the formation of gallstones. It can also reduce the amount of other bile acids that can be harmful to liver cells when levels are elevated.

Do NOT use Chenodal if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Chenodal


• you are pregnant


• you have certain liver problems or bile duct problems (eg, blockage, inflammation, biliary cirrhosis)


• you have certain gallbladder problems or certain types of gallstones


• you have complications from gallstones or you will be having gallbladder surgery

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Chenodal:

Some medical conditions may interact with Chenodal. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding, or if you are able to become pregnant


• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement


• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances


• if you have a history of liver problems, inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis), bile duct problems (eg, fistula), or colon cancer

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Chenodal. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Anticoagulants (eg, warfarin) because the risk of bleeding may be increased


• Estrogens, fibrates (eg, clofibrate), or oral contraceptives, because they may decrease Chenodal's effectiveness

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Chenodal may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Chenodal:

Use Chenodal as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Take Chenodal by mouth with or without food.


• If you take an antacid that has aluminum in it or a bile acid sequestrant (eg, cholestyramine, colestipol), ask your doctor or pharmacist how to take it with Chenodal.


• Take Chenodal on a regular schedule to get the most benefit from it.


• Taking Chenodal at the same time each day will help you remember to take it.


• If you miss a dose of Chenodal, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Chenodal.

Important safety information:

• Do NOT take more than the recommended dose without checking with your doctor.


• Mild diarrhea may occur at the beginning of treatment or any time during treatment. Talk to your doctor if you have severe or persistent diarrhea.


• Chenodal may harm your liver. Your risk may be greater if you drink alcohol while you are using Chenodal. Talk to your doctor before you take Chenodal or other fever reducers if you drink more than 3 drinks with alcohol per day.


• Follow the diet program given to you by your health care provider.


• Lab tests, including liver function, cholesterol levels, or ultrasounds, may be performed while you use Chenodal. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.


• Chenodal should be used with extreme caution in CHILDREN; safety and effectiveness in children have not been confirmed.


• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: Do not use Chenodal if you are pregnant. It may cause harm to the fetus. Avoid becoming pregnant while you are taking it. If you think you may be pregnant, contact your doctor right away. It is not known if Chenodal is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Chenodal, check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.

Possible side effects of Chenodal:

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Constipation; gas; heartburn; loss of appetite; mild diarrhea; nausea; stomach upset, cramps, or pain; vomiting.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); dark urine; severe fatigue, nausea, stomach pain; severe or persistent diarrhea; sore throat or fever; yellowing of the skin or eyes.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA.

See also: Chenodal side effects (in more detail)

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center, or emergency room immediately.

Proper storage of Chenodal:

Store Chenodal at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Chenodal out of the reach of children and away from pets.

General information:

• If you have any questions about Chenodal, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.


• Chenodal is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.


• If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.


• Check with your pharmacist about how to dispose of unused medicine.

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Chenodal. If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.

Issue Date: February 1, 2012

Database Edition 12.1.1.002

Copyright © 2012 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.

More Chenodal resources

• Chenodal Side Effects (in more detail)
• Chenodal Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
• Chenodal Drug Interactions
• Chenodal Support Group
• 0 Reviews for Chenodal - Add your own review/rating

• Chenodal Prescribing Information (FDA)


• Chenodal Monograph (AHFS DI)


• Chenodal Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information

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