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molecule

Orlistat

Molecule Description

Orlistat belongs to the class of medicines called gastrointestinal lipase inhib

itors that are used to control obesity.

uses

Uses of Orlistat

  • Used for obesity management: by aiding in weight loss
  • Reduce the risk of regaining weight which is already lost
contraindications

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.
sideEffects

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)
precautionsAndWarnings

Precautions and Warnings of Orlistat

pregnancy

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.
breastfeeding

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

Driving

Q:
Can I drive if I have consumed Orlistat?
A:
No known effect on your ability to drive a vehicle.
alcohol

Alcohol

Q:
Can I consume alcohol with Orlistat?
A:
No known interction. Consult with doctor while on this medication.
otherGeneralWarnings

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
modeOfAction

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 br...
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interactions

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.
dietaryRestrictions

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

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 a...
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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 r...
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Content Details

WRITTEN BY
doctor

Dr. Nikita Toshi

BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery)

REVIEWED BY
doctor

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.
Last Updated on: 05 Oct 2020 | 10:47 PM (IST)

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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.
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