Chenodeoxycholic acid Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Oct 13, 2023.

Applies to chenodeoxycholic acid: oral tablet.

Serious side effects

Along with its needed effects, chenodeoxycholic acid may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking chenodeoxycholic acid:

Incidence not known

• Black, tarry stools
• chest pain
• chills
• cough
• fever
• painful or difficult urination
• shortness of breath
• sore throat
• sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or in the mouth
• swollen glands
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• unusual tiredness or weakness

Other side effects

Some side effects of chenodeoxycholic acid may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

• Diarrhea

Less common

• Abdominal or stomach pain
• acid or sour stomach
• belching
• bloated
• cramps
• difficulty having a bowel movement (stool)
• excess air or gas in the stomach or intestines
• full feeling
• heartburn
• indigestion
• loss of appetite
• nausea and vomiting
• pain in the chest below the breastbone
• pain or discomfort in chest, upper stomach, or throat
• passing gas
• stomach discomfort or upset
• weight loss

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to chenodeoxycholic acid: oral tablet.

Gastrointestinal

Frequency not reported: Constipation/mild intermittent constipation, cramps, diarrhea, dyspepsia, epigastric distress, flatulence, gastrostomy, heartburn, nausea, nonspecific abdominal pain, urgency, vomiting^[Ref]

Hepatic

Frequency not reported: ALT elevations, biliary colic, cholecystectomy, hepatic adverse reactions, intrahepatic cholestasis, lithiasis, lithocholate-like lesions in the canalicular membrane, serum transaminase elevations, toxic hepatitis^[Ref]

Metabolic

Frequency not reported: Anorexic, increased serum low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, increased serum total cholesterol, small decreases in serum triglyceride levels^[Ref]

Serum total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol may increase by at least 10%.

Small decreases in serum triglycerides occurred in female patients.^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

Frequency not reported: Humerus fracture, foot operation, rheumatoid arthritis^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

Frequency not reported: Angina pectoris^[Ref]

Respiratory

Frequency not reported: Pneumothorax^[Ref]

Hematologic

Frequency not reported: Decreases in while cell count^[Ref]

Genitourinary

Frequency not reported: Urinary incontinence^[Ref]

Ocular

Frequency not reported: Cataract operation^[Ref]

Other

Frequency not reported: Fatigue^[Ref]

Psychiatric

Frequency not reported: Depression^[Ref]

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.

Medical Disclaimer