Chenodiol (By mouth)

Chenodiol (kee-noe-DYE-ol)

Dissolves gallstones. Also treats cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis (CTX).

Brand Name(s):

Chenodal, Ctexli

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
• Chenodiol™:
  • It is best to take this medicine with food or milk.
  • Keep taking the medicine for as long as directed. It may take several months for the medicine to dissolve the stones.
• Ctexli™: Swallow the tablet whole.
• Missed dose:
  • Chenodiol™: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
  • Ctexli™: If you miss a dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.
• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Some medicines can affect how chenodiol works. Tell your doctor if you are using cholestyramine, colestipol, coumarin, antacids that contain aluminum, birth control pills, or medicine to lower cholesterol.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have liver disease.
• This medicine may cause liver problems.
• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Blurred vision, dizziness, headache, nervousness, pounding in the ears, slow or fast heartbeat
• Constipation, diarrhea
• Dark urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes
• Fever, chills, cough, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, body aches
• Muscle weakness

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Stomach discomfort or upset

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 5/4/2025