About orlistat
Gastrointestinal lipase inhibitor
Used for
- Weight management with a reduced-calorie diet in adults with obesity or overweight and risk factors.
Usual adult dose
120 mg by mouth with each main meal containing fat, during or within one hour after; omit if meal is skipped or fat-free.
Common side effects
- Oily stools or spotting
- Urgent or more frequent bowel movements
- Flatulence with discharge
- Abdominal discomfort
Important warnings
- May reduce absorption of vitamins A, D, E, and K; take a multivitamin at bedtime.
- Rare severe liver injury has been reported.
- Avoid with chronic malabsorption or cholestasis.
- Weight loss may affect diabetes or blood pressure medicine needs.
Pregnancy
Not recommended for weight loss during pregnancy; weight loss offers no benefit and may harm the fetus.
Breastfeeding
Use is generally avoided during breastfeeding because safety information is limited.
Interactions
- Cyclosporine: reduced absorption; separate dosing and monitor levels.
- Warfarin: altered vitamin K absorption may affect INR.
- Levothyroxine: separate by at least four hours; monitor thyroid function.
- Some seizure medicines or HIV medicines may have reduced absorption.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.