ORLISTAT

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Alli, Xenical

GENERIC NAME(S): ORLISTAT

 

Description: Orlistat is a reversible gastric and pancreatic lipase inhibitor. It exerts antiobesity effects by limiting the absorption of dietary fats through inhibition of triglyceride hydrolysis. It does not exert appetite suppressant effects.

Onset: 24-48 hr.

Duration: 48-72 hr.

Pharmacokinetics:

Absorption: Minimally absorbed (oral).

Metabolism: Metabolised to inactive metabolites within the GI wall.

Excretion: Mainly via faeces (83% as unchanged drug).hr.

Uses

  • Used in conjunction with a doctor-approved exercise, behavior change, and reduced-calorie diet program to aid in weight loss

 

How to use orlistat

  • Always refer to your doctors instructions before taking this medication. If self-medicating, read all directions on the product package before taking this medication. Duration and dosage will be determined by your medical condition and its response to the medication. Make sure to take this mediciation in the prescribed amount and time period even after symptoms disappear. Discontinuing the medication before completion of treatment may cause incomplete treatment of condition. If Symptoms persist, consult your doctor.
  • Taken by mouth; With liquid during meals that contain fat or within 1 hour after a meal; usually thrice a day
  • It is key that no more than 30% of the calories in your diet come from fat
  • Skip a dose if you miss a meal or if your meal dose not contain fat
  • This medication can can interfere with the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins namely vitamins A, D, E, K so take these vitamins or multivitamin at least 2 hours before or 2 hours after taking orlistat
  • When taking cyclosporine, take it at least 3 hours before or after orlistat to ensure maximum absorption

When taking levothyroxine, take it at least 4 hours before or after orlistat.

Side effects

    • Minor side effects (if these symptoms persist or worsen, inform your doctor)
      • Changes in your bowel function
      • Fatty/oily stool, oily spotting, intestinal gas with discharge, a feeling of needing to have a bowel movement right away, increased number of bowel movements, or poor bowel control may occur.

     

    • Serious side effects (inform your doctor immediately)
      • Symptoms of liver disease (such as persistent nausea/vomiting, severe stomach/abdominal pain, dark urine, yellowing eyes/skin), symptoms of kidney stones (such as back pain, pain when urinating, pink/bloody urine).

     

    • Severe allergic reactions are rare. Get immediate medical help if you notice the following:

    Rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

Precautions

    • Precautions: 
      • Inform your doctor if you
        • Are allergic to the medication or other quinolones such as levofloxacin or ciprofloxacin
        • Have a history of a certain digestive problem (chronic malabsorption syndrome), a certain gall bladder problem (cholestasis), underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), kidney stones/problems (such as calcium oxalate kidney stones, hyperoxaluria), certain eating disorders (anorexia nervosa/bulimia), seizures.
      • Must not be used during pregnancy. Weight loss offers no potential benefit to a pregnant woman and may harm an unborn baby. If you are planning to be pregnant or think you may be pregnant, discuss the risks and benefits of use with your doctor.

       

      Interactions:

      Taking multiple drugs may affect how medications work and/or cause unwanted side effects. List down all the medications you are taking and inform your physician and pharmacist. Do not take, discontinue, or alter any dose of medications without prior approval of your physician.

       

      • Products that may interact with this medication Include:
        • “blood thinners” (such as warfarin)

      Medications for seizure treatment, orlistat may cause these drugs to not work as well. Stop taking orlistat and inform your doctor immediately if your seizures happen more often or worsen.7

Overdose & Brands

    • Overdose: If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately.Notes

      For best results, this medication should be used along with a doctor-approved exercise program and diet plan. Consult your doctor or dietician for help designing an appropriate exercise and food plan for you.

       

      Missed Dose

      If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and As soon as you remember, take a regular dose or if the time of the next dose is near, wait for it before taking another dose and resume your usual schedule. Do not increase the dose to compensate for the missed dose.

       

      Storage

      • Room temperature
      • Do not expose to light and moisture
      • Do not store in the bathroom
      • Keep all medications away from pets and children

       

      Brands:

       

      Available Brands:

      Lesofat [ InnoGen Pharmaceuticals ]

       

      Also marketed as:

      NoFat [ U Square Lifesciences ]

    • Obestal [ Stallion Labs ]Pharex Orlistat [ PPC ]
    • Xenical [ Roche ]Xenista [ Geofman ]

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