Generic Name: Chenodiol
Class: Cholelitholytic Agents
VA Class: GA900
Chemical Name: 3α, 7β-dihydroxy-, (3α,5β,7α)-;(2) 3α,7α-Dihydroxy-5β-cholan-24-oic acid
Molecular Formula: C24H40O4
CAS Number: 474-25-9
Introduction
Chenodiol, a naturally occurring human bile acid, is used for dissolution of gallstones.1 2 3 5 7
Uses for Chenodal
Gallstone Dissolution
Dissolution of gallstones in patients with radiolucent stones in well-opacifying gallbladders who are not candidates for surgery because of systemic disease or advanced age.1 6 Likelihood of dissolution is far greater if the stones are floatable or small.1 Chenodiol does not dissolve calcified (radiopaque) or radiolucent bile pigment stones.1
Not an appropriate treatment for many patients with gallstones, because of potential hepatoxicity and poor response rate and/or increased need for cholecystectomy in certain groups of patients.1 Reserve chenodiol for carefully selected patients and monitor liver function.1
In patients with nonfloatable stones, chenodiol, particularly at dosages <10 mg/kg daily, produced no reduction in biliary pain and tended to increase the cholecystectomy rate.1 Consider the risk that patients with nonfloatable stones treated unsuccessfully with chenodiol might require more-emergent surgery because effective treatment is delayed.1
Relatively young patients requiring treatment might be better treated by surgery than with chenodiol, because treatment with chenodiol, even if successful, is associated with a high rate of recurrence.1
Following complete dissolution, stones have recurred within 5 years in about 50% of patients.1 Although retreatment with chenodiol has proven successful in dissolving some newly formed stones, the indications for and safety of retreatment are not well defined.1
Safety beyond 2 years of use not established.1 Long-term consequences of repeated courses of chenodiol (e.g., potential for liver toxicity, neoplasia, and elevated cholesterol levels) are not known.1
Chenodal Dosage and Administration
General
Carefully select patients for chenodiol therapy; consider alternative therapies (e.g., watchful waiting, cholecystectomy, ursodiol).1 9
Administration
Oral Administration
Administer orally twice daily (morning and evening).1
Dosage
Adults
Gallstone Disolution
Oral
Recommended dosage range is 13–16 mg/kg daily, given in 2 divided doses.1 Recommended initial dosage is 250 mg twice daily for the first 2 weeks.1 Increase dosage by 250 mg daily each week thereafter, until the recommended or maximum tolerated dosage is reached.1
If diarrhea occurs during dosage titration or later in treatment, temporarily adjust dosage until symptoms abate, after which the previous dosage usually is tolerated.1
Dosages <10 mg/kg daily usually are ineffective and may be associated with increased risk of cholecystectomy; such dosages are not recommended.1
Body Weight (kg) | Recommended No. Tablets Daily | Daily Dosage Range (mg/kg) |
|---|---|---|
45–58 | 3 | 13–17 |
59–75 | 4 | 13–17 |
76–90 | 5 | 14–18 |
91–107 | 6 | 14–18 |
108–125 | 7 | 14–18 |
Perform serial oral cholecystograms or ultrasonographic examinations to confirm gallstone dissolution (see Monitoring Treatment Response under Cautions); discontinue drug if there is no response by 18 months.1
Cautions for Chenodal
Contraindications
Women who are or may become pregnant.1
Known hepatocyte dysfunction or bile duct abnormalities (e.g., intrahepatic cholestasis, primary biliary cirrhosis, sclerosing cholangitis).1
Gallbladder confirmed as nonvisualizing after 2 consecutive single doses of dye, radiopaque stone, gallstone complications, or compelling reasons for gallbladder surgery (e.g., unremitting acute cholecystitis, cholangitis, biliary obstruction, gallstone pancreatitis, biliary-GI fistula).1
Warnings/Precautions
Warnings
Fetal/Neonatal Morbidity and Mortality
May cause fetal harm; serious hepatic, renal, and adrenal lesions demonstrated in animals.1
Contraindicated in women who are or may become pregnant.1 If used during pregnancy or if patient becomes pregnant, apprise of potential fetal hazard.1
Hepatic Effects
Significant hepatotoxicity (a major abnormality identified by light microscopy of liver biopsy specimen or major elevation in serum aminotransferase concentrations) occurred in 3% of patients receiving chenodiol 750 mg daily versus 0.4% of patients receiving chenodiol 375 mg daily or placebo in a large study (National Cooperative Gallstone Study).2
Serum aminotransferase (mainly ALT) concentrations increased to >3 times the ULN, recurred on rechallenge with the drug, and required drug discontinuance in 2–3% of patients receiving chenodiol.1 Concentrations returned to normal following drug withdrawal.1
Reserve chenodiol for carefully selected patients without preexisting liver disease (see Gallstone Dissolution under Uses); carefully monitor serum aminotransferase concentrations to detect drug-induced liver toxicity.1
Risk of Colon Cancer
Epidemiologic studies suggest that bile acids might contribute to human colon cancer, but direct evidence is lacking.1
Bile acids, including chenodiol and lithocholic acid, have no carcinogenic potential in animal models, but have been shown to increase the number of tumors when administered with certain known carcinogens.1
The possibility that chenodiol therapy might contribute to colon cancer in otherwise susceptible individuals cannot be ruled out.1
General Precautions
Monitoring for Hepatotoxicity
Optimal frequency of monitoring liver function tests during chenodiol therapy is not known.1
Manufacturer recommends monitoring serum aminotransferase levels monthly for the first 3 months and every 3 months thereafter.1
Discontinue chenodiol if minor, usually transient elevations (1.5–3 times the ULN) persist longer than 3–6 months.1 Resume drug treatment only after the aminotransferase level returns to normal; however, allowing the elevations to persist over such an interval is not known to be safe.1
Discontinue chenodiol immediately if elevations >3 times the ULN occur; such elevations usually reoccur on challenge.1
Cholesterol Monitoring
Monitor serum cholesterol concentrations at 6-month intervals.1 May be advisable to discontinue the drug if cholesterol concentrations increase above the acceptable age-adjusted limit for the patient.1
Monitoring Treatment Response
To monitor stone dissolution, perform oral cholecystograms or ultrasonograms at 6- to 9-month intervals.1 Confirm complete dissolution by a repeat test after 1–3 months of continued chenodiol administration.1
Most patients who eventually achieve complete dissolution will show partial or complete dissolution at the first such on-treatment test.1 If partial dissolution is not seen by 9–12 months, the likelihood of success with continued therapy is greatly reduced.1 Discontinue chenodiol if there is no response by 18 months.1
Stone recurrence can be expected within 5 years in 50% of patients.1 After confirmed dissolution, discontinue treatment.1
Perform serial cholecystograms or ultrasonograms to monitor for recurrence, keeping in mind that radiolucency and gallbladder function should be established before starting another course of chenodiol.1
GI Effects
Dose-related diarrhea reported in 30–40% of patients; occurs most commonly when treatment is initiated, but may occur at any time during treatment.1 Usually mild, translucent, and well tolerated.1 Steady epigastric pain with nausea typical of lithiasis (biliary colic) usually is easily distinguishable from the crampy abdominal pain of drug-induced diarrhea.1
Usually does not interfere with therapy, but dosage reduction may be required.1 Antidiarrheal therapy is useful in some patients.1 Drug discontinuance required in approximately 3% of patients.1
Specific Populations
Pregnancy
Category X.1 (See Fetal/Neonatal Morbidity and Mortality and also see Contraindications under Cautions.)
Lactation
Not known whether chenodiol is distributed into human milk.1 Use with caution.1
Pediatric Use
Safety and efficacy in pediatric patients not established.1
Common Adverse Effects
Diarrhea (usually mild, translucent, well tolerated), increased serum total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol, decreased WBC (not <3000/mm3).1 4 5
Interactions for Chenodal
Specific Drugs
Drug | Interaction | Comments |
|---|---|---|
Antacids (aluminum-containing) | Decreased absorption of chenodiol1 | |
Bile acid sequestrants (cholestyramine, colestipol) | Decreased absorption of chenodiol1 | |
Clofibrate | Possible reduced efficacy of chenodiol because of increased biliary cholesterol secretion caused by clofibrate (and possibly other antilipemic drugs)1 | |
Coumarin-derivative anticoagulants | Possible unexpected prolongation of PT and hemorrhage1 | Careful monitoring required; adjust anticoagulant dosage as necessary; discontinue chenodiol, if needed1 |
Estrogens | Possible reduced efficacy of chenodiol1 2 |
Chenodal Pharmacokinetics
Absorption
Bioavailability
Following oral administration, well absorbed from the small intestine.1 Undergoes enterohepatic circulation.1
Distribution
Extent
After the drug is conjugated in the liver, it is distributed into bile.1
Chenodiol crosses the placenta in humans.1
Not known whether chenodiol is distributed into human milk.1
Elimination
Metabolism
Chenodiol is conjugated with glycine and taurine in the liver.1
Elimination Route
Chenodiol is converted by bacterial action in the colon to lithocholic acid.1 About 80% of litholate is excreted in the feces; the remainder is absorbed and converted in the liver to poorly absorbed sulfolithocholyl conjugates.1 During chenodiol therapy there is only a minor increase in biliary lithocholate, while fecal bile acids are increased threefold to fourfold.1
Stability
Storage
Oral
Tablets
Tightly closed containers at 20–25°C.1
ActionsActions
Suppresses hepatic synthesis of both cholesterol and cholic acid, gradually replacing the latter and its metabolite, deoxycholic acid, in an expanded bile acid pool.1
These actions contribute to biliary cholesterol desaturation and gradual dissolution of radiolucent cholesterol gallstones in the presence of a gallbladder visualized by oral cholecystography.1
Has no effect on radiopaque (calcified) gallstones or radiolucent bile pigment stones.1
Advice to Patients
Importance of periodic visits for liver function tests and oral cholecystograms or ultrasonograms for monitoring stone dissolution.1
Importance of being aware of the symptoms of gallstone complications and of immediately reporting such symptoms to the clinician.1
Importance of long-term compliance with the dosage regimen; need for temporary dosage reduction if episodes of diarrhea occur.1
Importance of women informing clinicians immediately if they are or plan to become pregnant or plan to breast-feed; necessity of advising women to avoid pregnancy during therapy.1 Necessity of advising pregnant women of the risk to the fetus.1
Importance of informing clinicians of existing or contemplated concomitant therapy, including prescription and OTC drugs, as well as any concomitant illnesses.1
Importance of informing patients of other important precautionary information.1 (See Cautions.)
Preparations
Excipients in commercially available drug preparations may have clinically important effects in some individuals; consult specific product labeling for details.
* available from one or more manufacturer, distributor, and/or repackager by generic (nonproprietary) name
Routes | Dosage Forms | Strengths | Brand Names | Manufacturer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Oral | Tablets, film-coated | 250 mg* | Chenodal | Manchester Pharmaceuticals |
Chenodiol Film-coated Tablets |
Disclaimer
This report on medications is for your information only, and is not considered individual patient advice. Because of the changing nature of drug information, please consult your physician or pharmacist about specific clinical use.
The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. and Drugs.com represent that the information provided hereunder was formulated with a reasonable standard of care, and in conformity with professional standards in the field. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. and Drugs.com make no representations or warranties, express or implied, including, but not limited to, any implied warranty of merchantability and/or fitness for a particular purpose, with respect to such information and specifically disclaims all such warranties. Users are advised that decisions regarding drug therapy are complex medical decisions requiring the independent, informed decision of an appropriate health care professional, and the information is provided for informational purposes only. The entire monograph for a drug should be reviewed for a thorough understanding of the drug's actions, uses and side effects. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. and Drugs.com do not endorse or recommend the use of any drug. The information is not a substitute for medical care.
AHFS Drug Information. © Copyright, 1959-2011, Selected Revisions September 2010. American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc., 7272 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, Maryland 20814.
References
1. Manchester Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Chenodal (chenodal) tablets prescribing information. Fort Collins, CO; 2009 Sep.
2. Fisher RL, Hofmann AF, Converse JL et al. The lack of relationship between hepatotoxicity and lithocholic-acid sulfation in biliary bile acids during chenodiol therapy in the National Cooperative Gallstone Study. Hepatology. 1991; 14:454-63. [PubMed 1874490]
3. Freilich HS, Malet PF, Schwartz JS et al. Chemical and morphologic characteristics of cholesterol gallstones that failed to dissolve on chenodiol. The National Cooperative Gallstone Study. Gastroenterology. 1986; 91:713-8. [PubMed 3732769]
4. Fromm H, Roat JW, Gonzalez V et al. Comparative efficacy and side effects of ursodeoxycholic and chenodeoxycholic acids in dissolving gallstones. A double-blind controlled study. Gastroenterology. 1983 Dec; 85:1257-64.
5. Grundy SM, Lan SP, Lachin J. The effects of chenodiol on biliary lipids and their association with gallstone dissolution in the National Cooperative Gallstone Study (NCGS). J Clin Invest. 1984; 73:1156-66. [PubMed 6368591]
6. Tangedahl T, Carey WD, Ferguson DR et al. Drug and treatment efficacy of chenodeoxycholic acid in 97 patients with cholelithiasis and increased surgical risk. Dig Dis Sci. 1983; 28:545-51. [PubMed 6345110]
7. Thistle JL, Cleary PA, Lachin JM et al. The natural history of cholelithiasis: the National Cooperative Gallstone Study. Ann Intern Med. 1984; 101:171-5 [PubMed 6742647]
8. Roda E, Bazzoli F, Morselli Labate AM et al. Ursodeoxycholic acid vs. chenodeoxycholic acid as cholesterol gallstone-dissolving agents: a comparative randomized study. Hepatology. 1982; 2:804-10. [PubMed 7141392]
9. Konikoff FM. Gallstones - approach to medical management. Med Gen Med. 2003; 5:8.
10. Petroni ML, Jazrawi RP, Pazzi P et al. Ursodeoxycholic acid alone or with chenodeoxycholic acid for dissolution of cholesterol gallstones: a randomized multicentre trial. The British-Italian Gallstone Study group. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2001; 15:123-8. . [PubMed 11136285]
More Chenodal resources
- Chenodal Side Effects (in more detail)
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- Chenodal Drug Interactions
- Chenodal Support Group
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- Chenodal Prescribing Information (FDA)
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