Orlistat Capsules

What is Orlistat?

Orlistat is a prescription medication containing the active substance orlistat, presented as hard capsules. It belongs to a class of medicines called lipase inhibitors.

Mechanism of Action

Orlistat works through targeted pancreatic lipase enzyme inhibition:

• Fat blocking: Prevents breakdown and absorption of dietary fats in the intestine
• Calorie reduction: Blocks approximately 25-30% of consumed fat from being digested
• Behavioral reinforcement: Encourages healthier dietary choices due to gastrointestinal effects from high-fat meals

Think of Orlistat as a gatekeeper in your digestive system - it prevents about a quarter of the fat you consume from being absorbed, leading to a natural calorie deficit.

What is Orlistat Used For?

Orlistat is indicated for weight management as an adjunct to:

• Reduced-calorie diet (approximately 30% calories from fat)
• Increased physical activity

Approved Patient Groups

Before Using Orlistat

Essential considerations before initiating treatment:

Medical History Assessment

• History of eating disorders (anorexia or bulimia)
• Chronic malabsorption syndrome or cholestasis
• Kidney stones or renal impairment
• Thyroid disease
• Diabetes mellitus

Required Baseline Tests

1. Body Mass Index (BMI) calculation
2. Blood pressure measurement
3. Blood glucose and HbA1c (if diabetic)
4. Liver function tests
5. Cholesterol levels

Orlistat Contraindications

Absolute contraindications where Orlistat must not be used:

Absolute Contraindications

• Chronic malabsorption syndrome
• Cholestasis
• Hypersensitivity to orlistat or any excipients
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding
• Anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa

Special Warnings

Special Population Considerations

Elderly Patients (≥65 years)

• Limited clinical experience in patients over 65
• Use with caution and monitor for nutritional deficiencies

Renal Impairment

• No specific studies in renal impairment
• Use with caution in patients with history of hyperoxaluria or calcium oxalate nephrolithiasis

Hepatic Impairment

• No dose adjustment necessary in mild to moderate hepatic impairment
• Not studied in severe hepatic impairment

Orlistat and Other Medicines

Significant interactions requiring monitoring:

Medications That May Be Affected

• Cyclosporine: Reduced absorption - take at least 2 hours before or after orlistat
• Levothyroxine: Reduced efficacy - separate administration by at least 4 hours
• Antiepileptics: (e.g., valproate, lamotrigine) - monitor levels
• Antiretroviral drugs: (e.g., atazanavir, lopinavir) - monitor efficacy
• Oral contraceptives: Use additional contraceptive methods if experiencing severe diarrhea
• Warfarin: Monitor INR regularly as orlistat may affect vitamin K absorption
• Amiodarone: Monitor effectiveness

Vitamin Supplementation

Due to reduced absorption of fat-soluble vitamins:

• Take a daily multivitamin supplement containing vitamins A, D, E, K, and beta-carotene
• Take the supplement at least 2 hours before or after orlistat
• Take at bedtime (recommended)

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Pregnancy

• Contraindicated during pregnancy
• Discontinue immediately if pregnancy occurs
• Use effective contraception during treatment

Breastfeeding

• Contraindicated during breastfeeding
• It is unknown if orlistat passes into breast milk
• Discuss alternatives with your doctor

Driving & Machine Operation

• No direct impairment of driving ability
• Dizziness has been reported in some patients
• Do not drive or operate machinery if you experience dizziness

Orlistat Ingredients

Active Substance

• Orlistat 120mg

Excipients

How to Use Orlistat Capsules

Preparation Steps

1. Plan meals to contain no more than 30% calories from fat
2. Take a multivitamin supplement daily (at bedtime recommended)
3. Have a glass of water ready for taking the capsule

Administration Technique

• Timing: During, immediately before, or up to 1 hour after each main meal
• Frequency: Up to 3 times daily (with each main meal)
• With liquid: Swallow whole with a full glass of water
• Omission: Skip dose if meal is missed or contains no fat

Dietary Recommendations

1. Follow a nutritionally balanced, reduced-calorie diet
2. Distribute daily intake of fat, carbohydrate, and protein over three main meals
3. Ensure diet contains approximately 30% calories from fat

Orlistat Dosage Guidelines

Standard Dosage Schedule

Dose Adjustment Criteria

• No dose adjustment required for age, gender, or race
• Not recommended for children under 18 years
• Treatment should be discontinued after 12 weeks if weight loss is less than 5%

Administration Instructions

Step-by-step dosing guide:

Optimal Timing

1. Take during the meal or up to 1 hour after
2. If a meal is missed or contains no fat, omit the dose
3. Do not take more than 3 capsules daily

Dietary Fat Distribution

• Spread daily fat intake across three main meals
• Avoid taking with high-fat meals (may increase side effects)
• Follow a diet containing approximately 30% calories from fat

Vitamin Supplementation

• Take a daily multivitamin supplement at bedtime
• Ensure supplement contains vitamins A, D, E, K, and beta-carotene
• Separate vitamin intake from orlistat by at least 2 hours

Missed Dose Management

General Principles

• Do NOT double doses
• Only take with meals containing fat

Time-Based Guidance

Overdose Information

Symptoms

• Increased severity of gastrointestinal effects
• Abdominal pain/discomfort
• Oily stools, diarrhea, flatulence

Management

1. No specific antidote exists
2. Symptomatic and supportive treatment
3. Monitor for signs of dehydration
4. Observe for at least 24 hours

Precautions

• Single doses of 800mg and multiple doses up to 400mg three times daily have been studied
• No serious adverse events reported

Possible Side Effects

Very Common (more than 1 in 10 people)

• Oily spotting from rectum
• Flatulence with discharge
• Fecal urgency
• Oily/fatty stool
• Increased defecation

Common (1 in 10 to 1 in 100 people)

• Soft stools
• Liquid stools
• Abdominal pain/discomfort
• Headache
• Upper respiratory infection

Uncommon (1 in 100 to 1 in 1000 people)

• Rectal pain/discomfort
• Tooth disorder
• Gum disorder
• Hypoglycemia in diabetic patients
• Anxiety
• Fatigue

Rare (1 in 1000 to 1 in 10,000 people)

• Allergic reactions
• Hepatitis
• Oxalate nephropathy
• Diverticulitis
• Pancreatitis

Serious Side Effects

How to Store Orlistat

Storage Conditions

• Store below 25°C
• Keep in original container
• Protect from moisture and light

Shelf Life

• Check expiration date on packaging
• Do not use after expiration date

Disposal

• Do not dispose of medication in wastewater
• Return unused medication to pharmacy
• Follow local regulations for medication disposal

Pack Information

Pack Sizes

• 42 capsules (2-week supply at maximum dose)
• 84 capsules (4-week supply at maximum dose)
• 168 capsules (8-week supply at maximum dose)
• 252 capsules (12-week supply at maximum dose)

Appearance

• Turquoise blue, opaque hard gelatin capsules
• Imprinted with "ORLISTAT" on one side
• Contains white to off-white powder

Marketing Authorization Holder

• Generic versions: Various manufacturers
• Brand version (Xenical): Cheplapharm Arzneimittel GmbH

Where Can I Buy Orlistat Online in the UK