Orlistat 60 mg is an over-the-counter medication for adults who are overweight or obese, with a body mass index (BMI) of 27 kg/m² or higher, especially if other risk factors like high blood pressure or diabetes are present. It helps manage weight by reducing the amount of dietary fat absorbed by the body. For best results, combine it with a reduced-calorie, low-fat diet and increased physical activity.
How Orlistat 60 mg Works
Orlistat 60 mg targets specific enzymes in the digestive system. It is an inhibitor of gastric and pancreatic lipases, which break down dietary fats. When consumed with a meal containing fat, orlistat binds to these enzymes, preventing them from performing their usual function.
This inhibition means a significant portion of dietary fat passes through your digestive system undigested. Instead of being absorbed into the bloodstream, this unabsorbed fat is excreted from the body in stool. The medication works locally within the gastrointestinal tract, with only a minimal amount absorbed into the bloodstream, contributing to its low potential for misuse and drug interactions. By reducing fat absorption, orlistat helps lower total calorie intake from food, promoting weight loss.
Proper Use and Administration
Follow specific administration guidelines for Orlistat 60 mg. Take one 60 mg capsule three times a day with each main meal that contains fat. The capsule can be taken during the meal or up to one hour after.
If a meal is skipped or contains no fat, omit the dose, as there is no fat for the medication to act upon. Adhering to a reduced-calorie, low-fat diet is a necessary component of treatment with orlistat, as its effects are optimized when dietary fat intake is controlled. Regular physical activity also contributes significantly to achieving desired weight loss results.
Potential Side Effects and Management
Orlistat 60 mg can cause gastrointestinal side effects due to unabsorbed fat excretion. These effects are more likely with high-fat meals.
Common side effects include:
Oily spotting on undergarments
Gas with discharge
Urgent need for bowel movements
Fatty or oily stools
Loose or more frequent stools
Decreased ability to control bowel movements
Manage these effects by adjusting dietary fat intake. Consistently following a low-fat diet, aiming for no more than 30% of total daily calories from fat, can reduce symptom severity and frequency.
While these gastrointestinal side effects are manageable, some less common but more serious side effects include liver damage, kidney problems, or gallbladder issues. Symptoms of liver damage may include dark urine, itching, loss of appetite, or yellowing of the skin or eyes. Seek medical attention promptly if any severe or persistent side effects occur.
Important Considerations and Who Should Not Use Orlistat 60 mg
Before starting Orlistat 60 mg, review important considerations for safe use. Do not use this medication if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have chronic malabsorption syndrome (a condition where the body has difficulty absorbing nutrients) or cholestasis (a condition affecting bile flow from the liver).
Orlistat can interact with other medications, potentially reducing their absorption or effectiveness. For example, it can decrease cyclosporine levels, a medication used to prevent organ rejection; therefore, individuals taking cyclosporine should not use orlistat. Patients on warfarin, a blood-thinning medication, should consult their doctor before starting orlistat, as close monitoring may be needed.
Orlistat can also reduce the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (Vitamins A, D, E, and K) and beta-carotene. To counteract this, it is recommended to take a multivitamin containing these vitamins at least two hours before or after taking orlistat, typically at bedtime. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any new medication, especially if you have existing medical conditions or are taking other prescription drugs.