Indications
Xenical (orlistat) is a medication used for obesity management. It works by inhibiting the absorption of dietary fats in the body. Xenical is a gastrointestinal agent. It works by blocking fat absorption from food, helping patients to reduce their overall calorie intake and lose excess weight.
Orlistat can be taken with or without food and is effective at reducing waist size, body mass index, cholesterol levels, triglyceride levels, and blood glucose levels. It is typically used in conjunction with a reduced-calorie diet, exercise, and behavioral changes to aid in weight loss and weight maintenance. Xenical is available as a prescription medication in 120mg capsules. It is sometimes also used to reduce the risk of regaining weight already lost.
Uses and Dosage
The capsules of Xenical should be taken as prescribed by your doctor. You should take them by mouth with liquid sometime during each meal that has fat or within an hour after the meal. Typically, Xenical capsules is taken three times daily. If you miss a meal or the meal you eat does not contain any fat, you can skip that dose of the medication. To minimize the likelihood of experiencing unpleasant side effects, do not take more than 30% of your diet's calories that come from fat. You should divide your daily intake of fat, protein, and carbohydrates evenly over 3 main meals.
The dose of Xenical is one 120-mg capsule taken three times a day with each main meal containing fat (during or up to 1 hour after the meal). If a meal is missed or does not contain fat, that dose of medication can be skipped.
Side Effect
Common Side Effects of Xenical (Orlistat):
- Gas or oily discharge
- Inability to control bowel movements
- Increased number of bowel movements
- Loose stools
- Nausea
- Oily or fatty stools
- Oily spotting in your undergarments
- Orange or brown colored oil in your stool
- Rectal pain
- Stomach pain
- Urgent need to go to the bathroom
Serious Side Effects of Xenical (Orlistat):
- Blood in your urine
- Clay-colored stools
- Dark colored urine
- Feeling tired
- Itching
- Little or no urination
- Loss of appetite
- Painful or difficult urination
- Severe pain in your lower back
- Severe stomach pain
- Shortness of breath
- Swelling in your feet or ankles
- Upper stomach pain
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
Form and Strength
Xenical (Orlistat) is available in the following forms and strength:
Xenical: Capsule
- 120 mg
Caution
- A pregnant woman should avoid weight loss and instead aim for a minimum weight gain to ensure the health of the developing fetus. Weight loss can be harmful to the fetus, and pregnant women should stick to a healthy diet and exercise regimen to promote a healthy pregnancy.
- Xenical is known to interact with several drugs including cyclosporine, levothyroxine, warfarin, amiodarone, antiepileptic drugs, and antiretroviral drugs, and may decrease cyclosporine exposure. Therefore, co-administration of Xenical and cyclosporine should be avoided.
- To ensure adequate nutrition, patients taking Xenical should take a multivitamin supplement that contains fat-soluble vitamins.
- Rare cases of severe liver injury with hepatocellular necrosis or acute hepatic failure have been reported in patients taking Xenical, some of which resulted in liver transplant or death.
- Patients should also be monitored for increased levels of urinary oxalate following treatment with Xenical, and for renal insufficiency.
- Before prescribing Xenical, exclude organic causes of obesity, such as hypothyroidism.
- Gastrointestinal events may increase when Xenical is taken with a diet high in fat, which represents over 30% of the total daily calories from fat. It is important to advise patients to adhere to dietary guidelines.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How does Xenical interact with other drugs?
Xenical can interact with several drugs including cyclosporine, levothyroxine, warfarin, amiodarone, antiepileptic drugs, and antiretroviral drugs. Co-administration of Xenical and cyclosporine should be avoided.
What should I do to ensure adequate nutrition while taking Xenical?
Patients taking Xenical should take a multivitamin supplement that contains fat-soluble vitamins.
Are there any dietary restrictions when taking Xenical?
Gastrointestinal events may increase when Xenical is taken with a diet high in fat, which represents over 30% of the total daily calories from fat.
How long should I take Xenical for?
Xenical should be used as part of a comprehensive weight loss program that includes diet and exercise. It is typically recommended to take Xenical for up to 12 months.
Resources
- https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2009/020766s026lbl.pdf
- https://xenical.com/
- https://www.drugs.com/xenical.html
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/weight-loss/in-depth/alli/art-20047908
- https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-17218/xenical-oral/details
- https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/1999/20766lbl.pdf
- https://www.rxlist.com/xenical-drug.htm
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