Orlistat (Xenical®): Basic Information

Orlistat (US brand name Xenical®) is a reversible inhibitor of gastrolipases. Here is basic information about this medication.

FDA-approved indications

1. Obesity management including weight loss and weight maintenance when used in conjunction with a reduced-calorie diet
2. Reduce the risk for weight regain after prior weight loss

Dosage

One 120-mg capsule three times a day orally with each main meal containing fat (during or up to 1 hour after the meal)

Administration instructions

1. Advise patients to take a nutritionally balanced, reduced-calorie diet that contains approximately 30% of calories from fat
2. Distribute the daily intake of fat, carbohydrate, and protein over three main meals
3. Advise patients to take a multivitamin containing fat-soluble vitamins to ensure adequate nutrition
4. Take the vitamin supplement at least 2 hours before or after the administration of orlistat, such as at bedtime
5. For patients receiving both orlistat and cyclosporine therapy, administer cyclosporine 3 hours after orlistat
6. For patients receiving both orlistat and levothyroxine therapy, administer levothyroxine and orlistat at least 4 hours apart

Specific Populations

Pregnant women: Contraindicated

Dosage forms and strengths

Capsules: 120 mg

Please refer to Prescribing Information (see link below) for complete discussion of dosage, administration, warnings and precautions, contraindications, etc.

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Related Pages

Naltrexone and bupropion (Contrave®): Basic Information

Phentermine and topiramate extended-release (Qsymia®): Basic Information

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References

Prescribing Information for orlistat (Xenical®)

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Copyright 2016, Rajnish Mago, MD. All rights reserved. May not be reproduced in any form without express written permission.

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