Xenical

What is it?

An antiobesity agent which is a lipase inhibitor available as turquoise coloured capsules containing 120mg of orlistat, all marked ROCHE and XENICAL 120.

Medical Uses

Additional treatment to dietary measures for obesity, in patients with or without additional risk factors.

Dosage

Adults, 1 capsule 3 times each day taken before during or within 1 hour of 3 main daily meals. Treatment should only be started if diet alone has produced a weight loss of 2.5kg or more in 1 month. Treatment should not be continued for more than 3 months if 5% of total body weight is not lost and should be stopped after a maximum period of 2 years.

Special Care

Diabetic patients require monitoring/adjustment of their drug regime as weight is lost; patients should receive dietary advice and follow eating plan.

Avoid Use

Children, pregnancy, breastfeeding, chronic malabsorption states, cholestasis.

Possible Drug and Food Interactions

Cyclosporin, acarbose, anticoagulants, fat-soluble vitamins, anorectic agents.

Known Side Effects

Gastrointestinal upset, headaches, infections of respiratory and urinary tracts, influenza, tiredness, disruption of menstrual cycle in women, anxiety. In very rare cases, a rise in liver enzymes or hepatitis.