medicines are rarely used to treat gallstones. but people who are on very rapid weight -loss diets may be given medicines for pain and nausea and to prevent gallstones. medication choices bile acids to dissolve gallstones usually are reserved for people who have symptoms of gallstones and for whom surgery would be risky. and bile acids may be used by people who do not want to have surgery. this medicine is rarely if ever an option for people who have a sudden inflammation or infection of the gallbladder a gallbladder that is not working properly large gallstones calcified gallstones or stones in the bile ducts. what to think about gallstones often come back when treatment with bile acids is stopped because bile acids do not always dissolve stones completely. over time gallstones return in about half of those who stop taking the medicine. 2 this form of treatment works better on small gallstones than on large ones. it does not work on calcified gallstones. tests such as an abdominal x-ray may be used to find out whether gallstones contain calcium. webmd medical reference from healthwise this information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information. © 1995-2011 healthwise incorporated. healthwise healthwise for every health decision and the healthwise logo are trademarks of healthwise incorporated.
what medications and treatments are available to treat gallstones?