Orlistat: Uses, Side Effects and Precautions
Orlistat is a medication used to treat obesity by blocking fat absorption from food and reducing calorie intake. It stops pancreatic lipase, an enzyme that breaks down fats in the gut. Without it, fats pass through undigested.
How Orlistat Works?
- Orlistat inhibits the enzyme lipase, which breaks down fat in the digestive system.
- As a result, about 30% of dietary fat is not absorbed and is instead excreted from the body.
- This helps with weight loss and weight management when combined with a healthy diet.
Orlistat Uses
- Orlistat capsules are used with a personalised low-calorie, low-fat diet and exercise regimen to aid weight loss.
- Orlistat Tablets are prescribed for overweight individuals with conditions such as high cholesterol, diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease.
- Orlistat is also prescribed post-weight loss to prevent weight regain.
- It belongs to a class of drugs known as lipase inhibitors.
- Orlistat works by stopping the absorption of dietary fats in the intestines.
- The fat that isn’t absorbed passes out of the body through stool.
Orlistat Side Effects
Some of the common side effects of Orlistat capsules are:
- Oily spotting on underwear or clothing
- Gas with oily spotting
- Urgent need to have a bowel movement
- Loose stools
- Oily or fatty stools
- Increased number of bowel movements
- Difficulty controlling bowel movements, pain or discomfort in the rectum (bottom)
- Stomach pain
- Irregular menstrual periods
- Headache
- Anxiety
Some of the serious side effects of Orlistat tablets are:
- Hives
- Rash
- Itching
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Severe or continuous stomach pain
- Excessive tiredness or weakness
- Nausea & Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
It’s important to contact your doctor immediately if you experience any serious symptoms due to Orlistat. Remember, your doctor prescribed this medication because they judged that the benefits outweigh the risks.
The majority of the people who use this medicine don’t show any side effects. Get medical help immediately if you get any serious Orlistat side effects.
Precautions to Take Orlistat
Before using Orlistat, talk with your doctor if you are allergic to it or any other medications. The product may contain an inactive ingredient that can cause allergic reactions or other serious problems.
Before using Orlistat, talk with your doctor if you have any medical history, such as:
- Digestive problems
- Gall bladder problem
- Underactive thyroid
- Kidney stones
- HIV infections
- Seizures
How to take Orlistat?
Orlistat comes as a capsule and a non-prescription capsule that is to be taken orally. This is generally taken three times a day, with each main meal containing fat. Take orlistat for a meal or up to 1 hour after a meal.
If you skip a meal or have a meal with no fat, you can skip your dose of Orlistat. Make sure to carefully follow the instructions on the label or package, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain anything you’re unsure about.
- The suggested prescription dose for Xenical is one capsule (120 mg) three times a day.
- The usual dose is 60 mg three times a day.
- Orlistat should be taken one hour after or during a meal containing approximately 15 mg of fat. Meals without fat do not require the use of orlistat.
Missed Dose of Orlistat
Missing one or two doses of Orlistat won’t have any effect on your body. The skipped dose causes no problem. However, with some medications, it won’t work if you don’t take the dosage on time.
If you miss a dose some sudden chemical change may affect your body. In some cases, your doctor would advise you to take the prescribed medicine as soon as possible if you have missed the dose.
Overdose of Orlistat
Overdose of a drug can be accidental. If you have taken more than the prescribed Orlistattablets there is a chance of getting a harmful effect on your body’s functions. Overdose of a medicine can lead to some medical emergency.
Orlistat Interactions
- If your doctor has directed you to use this medicine, your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them.
- Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine without first checking with your doctor, health care provider, or pharmacist.
- This information does not contain all possible interactions or adverse reactions. Therefore, tell your doctor or pharmacist about all the products you use before using this product. Keep a list of all your drugs with you, and share this information with your doctor and pharmacist.
Orlistat Storage
- It’s important to store Orlistat at room temperature, away from heat, air, and light. Keep it out of reach of children.
- Mainly, the drug should be kept at room temperature between 68ºF and 77ºF (20ºC and 25ºC).
- Always consult your doctor before starting Orlistat. If you experience any problems or side effects, seek medical help immediately.
Orlistat vs Phentermine
| Orlistat | Phentermine |
| Orlistat is a medication used to treat obesity. Its primary function is to prevent the absorption of fats from the human diet, thereby reducing caloric intake. | Phentermine is an amphetamine-like prescription drug used to suppress appetite. It can help you lose weight by reducing your hunger or making you feel full longer |
| Orlistat (prescription and non-prescription) has been used with an individualized low-calorie, low-fat diet and exercise program that helps people lose weight. Orlistat is often used in overweight people who may also have high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, or heart disease | Phentermine is used with a doctor-approved exercise, behavioural change, and reduced-calorie diet program to help you lose weight. It is used by certain people who are overweight, such as those who are obese or have weight-related medical problems. |
Some of the serious side effects of Orlistat are:
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Some of the serious side effects of Phentermine are:
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