What are the commonly used Chinese patent medicines for treating gallstones?
Sep 16, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Gao Jun
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, Chinese patent medicines for the treatment of gallstones can be selected under the guidance of a physician. Commonly used medications include Dangshitong Capsules, Xiaoyan Lidan Tablets, Jin Dan Pian (Golden Gallbladder Tablets), Li Dan Pai Shi Pian (Gallbladder Stone Expelling Tablets), and Xiongdan Capsules (Bear Gallbladder Capsules). In addition, gallstone patients may also use other suitable Chinese patent medicines under the guidance of a doctor. A light diet is recommended during treatment, with avoidance of oily and spicy foods.
Generally, traditional Chinese patent medicines for treating gallstones can be selected under the guidance of a physician. Commonly used medications include Danshitong Capsules, Xiaoyan Li Dan Tablets, Jin Dan Tablets, Li Dan Pai Shi Tablets, and Xiong Dan Capsules. Detailed information is as follows:
1. Danshitong Capsules
Danshitong Capsules are composed of ingredients such as dandelion, hydrocotyle herb, and yinchen蒿 (Artemisia capillaris), and have the effects of clearing heat, removing dampness, promoting bile secretion, and facilitating stone expulsion. They are suitable for flank pain and gallbladder distension caused by liver-gallbladder damp-heat, as well as for patients with gallstones or cholecystitis exhibiting the aforementioned symptoms. These capsules help relieve discomfort such as abdominal pain and bitter taste in the mouth caused by gallstones.
2. Xiaoyan Li Dan Tablets
Xiaoyan Li Dan Tablets contain ingredients including andrographis, rabdosia rubescens, and picrasma quassioides. They function to clear heat, eliminate dampness, and promote bile flow. They are indicated for bitter taste in the mouth and flank pain due to liver-gallbladder damp-heat, as well as for acute cholecystitis and cholangitis presenting with the above symptoms. They provide some relief for gallstones accompanied by inflammation.
3. Jin Dan Tablets
Jin Dan Tablets are made from gentian, lysimachia christinae, polygonum cuspidatum, and other herbs. They have bile-promoting and anti-inflammatory effects. They are suitable for patients with acute or chronic cholecystitis, cholelithiasis, or biliary tract infections showing the above symptoms. These tablets promote bile excretion, reduce biliary inflammation, and help improve symptoms related to gallstones.
4. Li Dan Pai Shi Tablets
Li Dan Pai Shi Tablets contain ingredients such as lysimachia christinae, artemisia capillaris, and scutellaria baicalensis. They clear heat, remove dampness, promote bile secretion, and facilitate stone expulsion. They are indicated for flank pain and gallbladder distension due to internal accumulation of damp-heat and toxic pathogens or impaired bowel qi, as well as for cholecystitis and cholelithiasis with the above manifestations. They help expel small gallstones.
5. Xiong Dan Capsules
Xiong Dan Capsules primarily contain powdered bear bile, which has effects of clearing heat, soothing the liver, and improving vision. They can also be used for flank pain and bitter taste in the mouth caused by liver-gallbladder damp-heat, providing regulatory benefits for gallstone-related liver-gallbladder damp-heat syndromes.
In addition, patients with gallstones may use other appropriate traditional Chinese patent medicines under medical supervision. During treatment, it is important to maintain a light diet, avoid greasy and spicy foods, and undergo regular follow-up examinations to monitor changes in the gallstones.
