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Overview: Chenodiol is used to break down gallstones or to treat cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis (CTX), a rare genetic condition that causes abnormal fat buildup in various areas of the body. Common side effects include diarrhea, stomach pain, constipation, and changes in cholesterol levels or liver test results. Serious side effects include liver damage. Call your health care provider right away if you have symptoms such as dark-colored pee or yellowing of the skin or the whites of your eyes.

Uses

What is chenodiol used for?

Chenodiol is commonly used for the following conditions. 

  • To break down certain types of gallstones (gallbladder stones)
  • To treat cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis (CTX), a rare genetic condition that causes an abnormal buildup of fat (called xanthomas) in areas such as the brain or tendons

These uses may vary, depending on the specific chenodiol product prescribed.

Chenodiol may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does chenodiol work (mechanism of action)?

Chenodiol is a type of bile acid that your body naturally forms in small amounts. Bile acids are components of bile, which is a fluid made in your liver that helps digestion, including breaking down fat. When chemical parts of bile are out of balance, you can get problems such as gallstones or abnormal fat buildup. Taking chenodiol as a medicine may help normalize the chemical balance of bile. These changes can help break down gallstones and reduce abnormal fat deposits.

How is chenodiol supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Chenix
  • Chenodal
  • Ctexli

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 250 mg oral tablets

How should I store chenodiol?

Chenodiol should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when you’re transporting it. Store it in a cool, dry place, and keep the container tightly closed.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of chenodiol?

The most common side effects of chenodiol are listed below. These side effects may vary, depending on the condition that is being treated. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Diarrhea
  • Stomach pain
  • Constipation
  • Liver damage (see below), including bile duct problems (cholestasis)
  • Abnormal liver test results
  • Changes in cholesterol levels
  • Headache
  • High blood pressure
  • Muscle weakness
  • Infection in the nose or throat

There may be other side effects of chenodiol that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of chenodiol?

While less common, the most serious side effects of chenodiol are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Chenodiol may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking chenodiol and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Liver Damage. Liver damage, also called hepatotoxicity, can happen when taking chenodiol. Stop taking chenodiol and call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of liver damage.

  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Stomach or belly pain
  • Fever
  • Weakness or unusual tiredness
  • Itching
  • Loss of appetite
  • Light-colored poop
  • Dark-colored urine (pee)
  • Your skin or the whites of your eyes turning yellowish in color (also called jaundice)
  • Bruising or bleeding

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use chenodiol?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take chenodiol.

  • Chenodiol
  • Chenix
  • Chenodal
  • Ctexli
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific chenodiol products they stock.

Liver Problems (for Gallstones). Chenodiol should not be used to break down gallstones if your liver is not working as well as it should be or if you have certain liver conditions. If there is a concern about the health of your liver, your health care provider may do tests to find out if it is working well enough to take this medicine.

Certain Types of Gallstones. Some types of gallstones cannot be broken down by chenodiol. People with these types of gallstones should not take chenodiol for gallstone treatment. Ask your health care provider if you are unsure if your gallstones can be broken down with chenodiol.

Certain Gallbladder Problems (for Gallstones). People with certain medical conditions should not take chenodiol to break down gallstones. They may need to have their gallbladder removed (cholecystectomy) instead. These conditions include the following. 

Pregnancy (for Gallstones). Do not take chenodiol to break down gallstones if you are pregnant. If you become pregnant, contact your health care provider right away. See the Pregnancy section for more details.

What should I know about chenodiol before using it?

Do not take chenodiol unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Take it as prescribed.

Do not share chenodiol with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep chenodiol out of the reach of children.

While you are taking chenodiol, your health care provider may regularly do tests to check the health of your liver, gallbladder, or cholesterol levels. Keep all appointments, including for bloodwork, with your health care provider.

If you are taking Ctexli, the tablets should be swallowed whole.

What should I tell my health care provider before using chenodiol?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if chenodiol is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Other Medicines and Supplements. Chenodiol may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking chenodiol, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

  • Liver problems
  • Bile duct problems

Pregnancy. Do not take chenodiol if you are pregnant without talking to your health care provider. Chenodiol may harm an unborn baby. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Your health care provider will let you know if you should take chenodiol while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant. If you become pregnant, contact your health care provider right away.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if chenodiol passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should take chenodiol while breastfeeding.

Interactions

Does chenodiol interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between chenodiol and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect chenodiol.

Does chenodiol interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking chenodiol.

  • A bile acid sequestrant, such as cholestyramine (Prevalite), colesevelam (Welchol), or colestipol (Colestid), which is a medicine to lower cholesterol
  • A medicine to lower cholesterol, including a fibrate (such as fenofibrate, fenofibric acid, or gemfibrozil) or a statin (such as atorvastatin or rosuvastatin)
  • An antacid containing aluminum
  • Estrogen, which is found in certain birth control pills, patches, creams, rings, or vaginal suppositories 
  • A birth control pill
  • Warfarin, which is a blood thinner

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with chenodiol. Always check with your health care provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much chenodiol?

If you or someone else has used too much chenodiol, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of chenodiol?

If you are taking chenodiol for gallstones and you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

If you are taking chenodiol for cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis and you miss a dose, skip the missed dose and continue your medication plan with the next scheduled dose. Do not take double or extra doses.