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Online Xenical (Orlistat)

Weight Management • Educational only; not medical advice. Prescriptions at clinician discretion.

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On this page: Overview FAQ Gov/NIH

Overview

Orlistat, marketed as Xenical (prescription) and Alli (over-the-counter), is a gastrointestinal lipase inhibitor that blocks dietary fat absorption. It was approved in 1999 as the first long-term weight management drug available without central nervous system stimulation.

Uses

Indicated for obesity management in adults and adolescents, used with a reduced-calorie, low-fat diet. It also helps prevent weight regain after initial loss and improves obesity-related risk factors such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia.

Dosage & Administration

Prescription dose: 120 mg three times daily during or up to 1 hour after each main meal containing fat. Skip the dose if the meal is fat-free. Multivitamin supplements are advised at bedtime to replace fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) lost during therapy.

Side Effects & Warnings

Most common: gastrointestinal—oily stools, flatulence, and urgency—due to unabsorbed fat. These effects lessen with reduced fat intake. Rare: liver injury and oxalate kidney stones. Contraindicated in chronic malabsorption or cholestasis.

Patient Considerations

Adherence to a low-fat diet is essential for tolerability and success. Maintain hydration and regular vitamin supplementation.

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FAQ

How much weight can Xenical help lose?

Average weight loss is 5–10% of body weight over 6–12 months with diet adherence.

Can Xenical be taken without dieting?

No, it requires a calorie-restricted diet for effectiveness.

Does Xenical affect birth control pills?

It does not interfere directly but may cause diarrhea that reduces pill absorption—use caution.

Government / NIH sources

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