Orlistat (Xenical) Drug for Weight Loss: Use, Side Effects, Interactions
Orlistat
(Xenical, United States and Canada)
More drugs used for Weight Loss.
Use:
Orlistat or Xenical is indicated for weight loss.
How It Works:
Orlistat or Xenical is a lipase inhibitor. Lipase is an enzyme found in the bowel which assists in lipid or fat absorption by the body. Orlistat or Xenical blocks this enzyme reducing the amount of fat the body absorbs - by about 30%. It is known colloquially as a "fat blocker".
Side Effects:
Because more dietary fat is left in the bowel to be excreted, Orlistat or Xenical can cause an oily anal leakage and fecal incontinence.
Cautions for People:
People with bowel conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome or Crohn's disease may not be able to use Orlistat or Xenical.
Drug Interactions:
Orlistat or Xenical can affect the way other drugs are absorbed because it affects the bowel contents.
Further Reading:
FDC Reports 1997;59(20):3
Int J Obes 1993;17:241
J Clin Pharmacol 1996;36:152
Added to Virtual Drugstore December 1997.
The relevant product monographs must be regarded as the appropriate sources of prescribing information.
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