Cholecystitis

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 6, 2025.

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AMBULATORY CARE:

Cholecystitis

is inflammation of your gallbladder. Your gallbladder stores bile, which helps break down the fat that you eat. Your gallbladder becomes inflamed if it is not able to release bile. You may have a sudden, severe symptoms (acute cholecystitis) or mild symptoms over a period of time (chronic cholecystitis).

Common signs and symptoms:

• Pain in your upper right abdomen, often after you eat a big meal with fatty foods
• Pain that moves to your shoulder or back
• Fever or chills
• Nausea or vomiting

Seek care immediately if:

• You have severe pain in your abdomen.
• You cannot stop vomiting.

Drugs used to treat this and similar conditions

Treatment options

The following list of medications are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.

• Ancef
• Cefotan
• cefazolin
• cefoxitin
• cefotetan

Call your doctor if:

• You have a fever or chills.
• Your skin or the whites of your eyes turn yellow.
• You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.

Treatment for cholecystitis

may include any of the following:

• Medicines:
  • Antibiotics treat a bacterial infection.
  • Prescription pain medicine may be given. Ask your healthcare provider how to take this medicine safely. Some prescription pain medicines contain acetaminophen. Do not take other medicines that contain acetaminophen without talking to your healthcare provider. Too much acetaminophen may cause liver damage. Prescription pain medicine may cause constipation. Ask your healthcare provider how to prevent or treat constipation.
  • NSAIDs , such as ibuprofen, help decrease swelling, pain, and fever. This medicine is available with or without a doctor's order. NSAIDs can cause stomach bleeding or kidney problems in certain people. If you take blood thinner medicine, always ask your healthcare provider if NSAIDs are safe for you. Always read the medicine label and follow directions.
• Cholecystostomy is a procedure to drain bile from your gallbladder by placing a hollow needle through your abdomen. You may also have a tube inserted in your gallbladder to drain it over several days or weeks.
• Cholecystectomy is surgery to remove your gallbladder.

Eat a variety of healthy foods:

This may decrease your symptoms. Healthy foods include fruit, vegetables, whole-grain breads, low-fat dairy products, beans, lean meat, and fish. Ask if you need to be on a special diet.

Follow up with your doctor as directed:

Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Further information

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