Chenodeoxycholic Acid
Chenodeoxycholic acid is a naturally occurring bile acid used primarily to dissolve cholesterol gallstones in patients who are poor candidates for surgery. It is also used to treat cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis, a rare genetic lipid storage disorder.
Chenodeoxycholic acid is a bile acid medication used to treat cholesterol gallstones and the rare genetic condition cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis.
Key facts at a glance
- RxNorm
- 2323
- Generic
- Chenodeoxycholic Acid
- Class
- pin-variant
- Brands
- —
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- —
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Used to treat cholesterol gallstones in patients who cannot undergo surgery, and cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis (CTX), a rare inherited disorder characterized by abnormal lipid accumulation in tissues including tendons, brain, and blood vessel walls.
Acts as a bile acid to increase bile flow and reduce cholesterol secretion in bile, thereby promoting dissolution of cholesterol gallstones. In CTX, it inhibits synthesis of cholestanol and reduces its accumulation in tissues.
May cause diarrhea, abdominal pain, and liver enzyme elevations. Contraindicated in patients with chronic liver disease, bile duct obstruction, or certain types of gallstones. Regular monitoring of liver function is typically recommended during treatment.
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 25, 2026. · Read our editorial policy