Cholecystitis
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 6, 2025.
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).
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Medicines:
- Antibiotics help treat an infection caused by bacteria.
- Pain medicine may be given. Do not wait until the pain is severe before you ask for more medicine.
- Antinausea medicine may be given if you have nausea or are vomiting.
Tests:
- An ultrasound or CT may show one or more gallstones. You may be given contrast liquid to help the gallbladder show up better in the pictures. Tell the healthcare provider if you have ever had an allergic reaction to contrast liquid.
- A hepatobiliary iminodiacetic acid (HIDA) scan shows if your gallbladder is working. A radioactive liquid, called a tracer, will be injected into your vein. Your healthcare provider will be able to see if the tracer goes through your biliary tract or stays in your gallbladder.
Drugs used to treat this and similar conditions
Actigall
Actigall is used for gallbladder disease, primary biliary cholangitis
Omvoh
Omvoh is used to treat moderate to severe ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease in adults. This ...
Urso Forte
Urso Forte is used for gallbladder disease, primary biliary cholangitis
Reltone
Reltone is used for gallbladder disease, primary biliary cholangitis
Chenodiol
Chenodiol systemic is used for cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis, gallbladder disease
Treatment:
- Cholecystectomy is surgery to remove your gallbladder.
- Cholecystostomy is a procedure to drain your gallbladder. A hollow needle will be put into your gallbladder through your abdomen. The bile in your gallbladder will be drained through this needle. You may also have a tube inserted in your gallbladder to drain it over several days or weeks.
Treatment options
The following list of medications are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.
IV fluids
treat dehydration and help increase your blood pressure.
RISKS:
Cholecystitis may cause liver damage. You may develop an abscess (a buildup of pus) in your abdomen. You may develop a serious blood infection if cholecystitis goes untreated.
CARE AGREEMENT:
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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.
Learn more about Cholecystitis
Treatment options
- Medications for Acute Cholecystitis
- Medications for Cholecystitis
- Medications for Gallbladder Disease
Care guides
Symptoms and treatments
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.