Orlistat
Molecule Description
Orlistat belongs to the class of medicines called gastrointestinal lipase inhib
itors that are used to control obesity.
Uses of Orlistat
- Used for obesity management: by aiding in weight loss
- Reduce the risk of regaining weight which is already lost
Contraindications of Orlistat
When should one not use Orlistat
Do not take this medicine if you are suffering from malabsorption, allergic reaction to Orlistat or reduced gallbladder function.
Side effects of Orlistat
Common side effects of this drug are:
- Oily or fatty stools
- Oily spotting on undergarments
- Gas and oily discharge from the bowel
- Increased number of bowel movements
- Stomach pain
- Nausea
- Rectal pain
- Severe pain in lower back
- Upper stomach pain
- Itching
- Tired feeling
- Loss of appetite
- Dark urine, clay-colored stools and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
Precautions and Warnings of Orlistat
Pregnancy
Q:
Can I take Orlistat during pregnancy?
A:
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy. Do not take Orlistat if you are pregnant.
Breast Feeding
Q:
Can I take Orlistat while breastfeeding?
A:
You must not breastfeed your infant during treatment with Orlistat as it is unknown whether this medicine passes into human milk.
Driving
Q:
Can I drive if I have consumed Orlistat?
A:
No known effect on your ability to drive a vehicle.
Alcohol
Q:
Can I consume alcohol with Orlistat?
A:
No known interction. Consult with doctor while on this medication.
Other General Warnings
Talk to your doctor if
- You have diabetes
- You have kidney disease. Use of Orlistat may be associated with kidney stones in patients suffering from chronic kidney disease
Mode of Action of Orlistat
How Does It Work?
It works in your digestive system by blocking nearly one-third of the fat in the food from being digested. Orlistat attaches to the enzymes in your digestive system (lipases) and prevents them from breaking down some of the fat you have eaten during your meal. The undigested fat cannot be absorbed and is removed by your body....
Interactions of Orlistat
Interactions with other medicines
- Cyclosporine
- Warfarin (blood-thinning medicine)
- Amiodarone
- Insulin or oral anti-diabetes medicine like Acarbose
- Seizure medication (especially if your seizures get worse while taking orlistat)
- Vitamin or mineral supplement that contains Beta Carotene or vitamin E
- If you are taking any over-the-counter medicines or any other herbal medicines
Interactions with food items
- It can be taken immediately before a meal, during a meal or up to one hour after a meal. No food interaction is reported.
Dietary Restrictions of Orlistat
No information is available on dietary restrictions while you are taking Orlistat, consult your doctor or pharmacist for further information.
Dosage of Orlistat
Overdose
The symptoms of an overdose of orlistat are not reported. They are presumably the same as the pronounced side effects, which include: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, gas, abdominal distress, oily stools and incontinence of stools....
Missed a Dose
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember but no more than one hour after eating a meal. If it has been more than an hour since your last meal, skip the missed dose and take medicine at your next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to compensate for the missed dose....
Content Details
WRITTEN BY
Dr. Nikita Toshi
BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery)
REVIEWED BY
Dr. Ritu Budania
MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use this medicine in children?
A: This medicine must not be taken by children and adolescents under 18 years old.
Q: What should I inform the doctor before taking this medicine?
- Inform doctor:
- If you are taking a medicine for high blood pressure or high cholesterol or on thyroid medicine (Levothyroxine) as it may be necessary to adjust your dose
- If you have any gastrointestinal problems or liver problems
- If you had any previous surgeries
Q: Will this medicine be absorbed into blood?
A: Systemic absorption of Orlistat is minimal, however systemic absorption of the drug is not needed for activity.
References
View All
Recent articles
Disclaimer
The information provided herein is supplied to the best of our abilities to make it accurate and reliable as it is published after a review by a team of professionals. This information is solely intended to provide a general overview on the product and must be used for informational purposes only. You should not use the information provided herein to diagnose, prevent, or cure a health problem. Nothing contained on this page is intended to create a doctor-patient relationship, replace or be a substitute for a registered medical practitioner's medical treatment/advice or consultation. The absence of any information or warning to any medicine shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance. We highly recommend that you consult your registered medical practitioner for all queries or doubts related to your medical condition. You hereby agree that you shall not make any health or medical-related decision based in whole or in part on anything contained in the Site. Please click here for detailed T&C.