Key takeaways

  • Reltone (ursodiol) dissolves small, non-calcium gallstones in people who cannot have surgery, and it prevents gallstones during rapid weight loss.
  • This medication is typically taken 2 to 3 times daily. Treatment doses are based on body weight, while prevention uses a fixed dose.
  • The most common side effects include mild digestive issues, such as diarrhea, nausea, and abdominal pain.
  • Reltone may be less effective if taken with hormonal birth control or certain cholesterol lowering medications.

Reltone is a branded-generic medication. While it contains the same as the active ingredient (ursodiol) as brand-name Actigall, it’s marketed under its own trade name.

Reltone is a prescription oral capsule used in adults to treat existing gallstones or to help prevent new ones from forming during rapid weight loss.

It works as a gallstone dissolution agent to break down hardened deposits in your gallbladder.

Treating gallstones

Doctors prescribe Reltone to dissolve gallstones that:

  • are smaller than 20 millimeters (mm) in diameter
  • are radiolucent (don’t show up on X-rays because they lack calcium)
  • occur in people who can’t have surgery to remove their gallbladder

Preventing gallstones

Rapid weight loss (often from bariatric surgery or very low-calorie diets) increases the risk of stone formation. Reltone can be used to lower this risk in adults with obesity.

While Reltone is generally well-tolerated, keep these safety constraints in mind:

  • Interactions: Medications like bile acid sequestrants (for cholesterol) and certain antacids containing aluminum can make Reltone less effective.
  • Birth control: Hormonal birth control (like the pill) may decrease Reltone’s effectiveness.
  • Allergic reaction: Though rare, seek emergency care if you experience swelling or difficulty breathing.
  • Preexisting conditions: Tell your doctor if you have digestive conditions like Crohn’s disease before starting treatment.

Note: It’s not currently known if Reltone is safe to take during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Discuss these risks with your healthcare professional.

Most side effects of Reltone are mild and often go away within a few days. They typically include:

If you experience severe diarrhea, contact your doctor, as this can be a sign of taking too much Reltone.

Your specific dosage depends on your weight and the condition being treated.

  • For treatment of existing gallstones: Your dose is based on your weight. It’s typically 8 to 10 milligrams (mg) per kilogram (kg) of body weight and split into 2 or 3 doses daily. (For reference, 1 kg equals approximately 2.2 pounds [lb].)
  • For prevention: Dosage is usually a fixed dose of 300 mg taken twice daily.
  • Missed dose: If you miss a dose, contact your pharmacist or doctor for guidance on what to do next.

Costs of prescription drugs vary depending on many factors, such as what your insurance plan covers, your location, and which pharmacy you use.

Reltone is a pharmaceutical option for dissolving specific types of gallstones without surgery and for preventing them from forming during weight loss journeys.

Because it must be taken exactly as prescribed to be effective (sometimes over a long period of time), regular follow-ups with your doctor are essential for monitoring your progress.

Disclaimer: While Healthline strives for factual, comprehensive, and current information, this article is not a substitute for a licensed healthcare professional’s expertise. Always consult a doctor before taking or discontinuing any medication. Drug information is subject to change and may not cover all uses, directions, precautions, warnings, interactions, reactions, or adverse effects. The lack of a warning does not guarantee a drug’s safety, effectiveness, or appropriateness for all patients or specific uses. Learn more about our approach to content integrity.