Orlistat: Uses, Benefits, and Side Effects

Orlistat medication, including orlistat 60, orlistat 120, and orlistat capsules, is used to treat obesity by blocking fat absorption from food and reducing calorie intake. It stops pancreatic lipase, an enzyme that breaks down fats in the gut. Without it, fats pass through undigested.

What Is Orlistat?

Orlistat is a prescription weight-loss medicine that helps block the absorption of fat from the food you eat. It is available in forms like orlistat 60 mg, orlistat 120 mg, orlistat tablets, and orlistat capsules. This medicine is commonly used under brand names such as Xenical or Alli.

Orlistat Uses

Orlistat tablet uses mainly include aiding weight loss and preventing weight regain in overweight individuals. It works best when combined with a low-fat diet and exercise. Orlistat 120 mg is particularly effective in the treatment of clinical obesity. Orlistat tablets may also be used to improve cholesterol and blood pressure levels.

• Orlistat capsules are used with a personalised low-calorie, low-fat diet and exercise regimen to aid weight loss.
• Orlistat Tablets are prescribed for overweight individuals with conditions such as high cholesterol, diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease.
• Orlistat is also prescribed post-weight loss to prevent weight regain.
• It belongs to a class of drugs known as lipase inhibitors.
• Orlistat works by stopping the absorption of dietary fats in the intestines.
• The fat that isn't absorbed passes out of the body through stool.
• Orlistat 60 mg is available over the counter, while orlistat 120 mg is often prescribed for clinical obesity cases.

Conditions Orlistat Tablet Treats

• Obesity
• Overweight-related conditions such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and high cholesterol

Secondary Uses of Orlistat

While primarily prescribed for weight management, orlistat medicine may also be used in patients with risk factors for metabolic syndrome. Doctors sometimes recommend it for long-term orlistat weight loss support in individuals who struggle with maintaining reduced weight.

Orlistat side effects can include oily stools, gas with discharge, and abdominal cramps, especially if taken with high-fat meals.

How Does Orlistat Work?

Orlistat works by blocking an enzyme in your digestive system called lipase. This enzyme helps break down fat from food. When orlistat capsules or orlistat tablets are taken with meals, they prevent about 25 30% of dietary fat from being absorbed. Instead, the fat passes through the body undigested and is eliminated in the stool.

Unlike many other weight-loss drugs, orlistat medicine does not affect the brain, hormones, or nervous system. It acts locally in the gut, which is why it has fewer systemic side effects compared to appetite-suppressing drugs.

Orlistat Dosage

The typical dose of orlistat 120 mg is one capsule taken with each main meal that contains fat, up to three times a day. Orlistat tablets or orlistat capsules should be taken during or within one hour after a meal. Always follow your doctor's dosage instructions for best results.

What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?

If you miss a dose of orlistat medicine, skip it if more than an hour has passed since your meal. Do not take two doses at once to make up for it.

What Happens If There's an Overdose?

Overdosing on orlistat is rare but can increase the risk of side effects such as stomach pain, diarrhea, or difficulty controlling bowel movements.

Symptoms of Overdose May Include:

• Severe stomach discomfort
• Increased frequency of oily stools
• Possible vitamin deficiency over time

If an overdose is suspected, seek immediate medical help.

Orlistat Side Effects

While effective, the Harmful effects of Orlistat diet pills may occur, especially when taken with high-fat meals

Some of the Common Side Effects of Orlistat Capsules

• Oily spotting on underwear or clothing
• Gas with oily spotting
• Urgent need to have a bowel movement
• Loose stools
• Oily or fatty stools
• Increased number of bowel movements
• Difficulty controlling bowel movements, pain or discomfort in the rectum (bottom)
• Stomach pain
• Irregular menstrual periods
• Headache
• Anxiety

Some of the Serious Side Effects of Orlistat Tablets

• Hives
• Rash
• Itching
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Severe or continuous stomach pain
• Excessive tiredness or weakness
• Nausea Vomiting
• Loss of appetite

It's important to contact your doctor immediately if you experience any serious symptoms due to Orlistat. Remember, your doctor prescribed this medication because they judged that the benefits outweigh the risks.

The majority of the people who use this medicine don't show any side effects. Get medical help immediately if you get any serious Orlistat side effects.

Precautions to Take Orlistat

Before using Orlistat, talk with your doctor if you are allergic to it or any other medications. The product may contain an inactive ingredient that can cause allergic reactions or other serious problems.

Before using Orlistat, talk with your doctor if you have any medical history, such as:

• Digestive problems
• Gall bladder problem
• Underactive thyroid
• Kidney stones
• HIV infections
• Seizures

This applies whether you're taking orlistat medication in capsule or tablet form, including orlistat 60 or orlistat 120.

How Should Orlistat Be Stored?

Orlistat capsules and orlistat tablets should be stored at room temperature, between 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F). Keep the medicine in its original container, tightly closed, and away from direct sunlight, heat, and moisture.

Important Storage Tips:

• Do not freeze the medicine.
• Keep away from children and pets.
• Store in a dry place, and avoid keeping it in the bathroom.

Improper storage may reduce the effectiveness of orlistat medicine and increase the risk of unwanted orlistat side effects.

Orlistat vs Phentermine

References