Orlistat is an obesity drug that does not act on the central nervous system.

It only acts on the gastrointestinal tract, inhibits the hydrolysis of triacylglycerol to free fatty acids and monacylglycerol by inhibiting the lipase of the gastrointestinal tract, reduces the absorption of dietary fat (triacylglycerol) by intestinal mucosa, and promotes fat elimination from the body. Lipase is an enzyme necessary for the gastrointestinal tract to decompose fat. This product can combine with the serine residues of gastric and pancreatic lipase to inactivate lipase and prevent it from decomposing fat in food into free fatty acids, thus inhibiting the utilization and absorption of fat. In addition, this product can reduce the risk factors related to obesity.

You should not use orlistat if you are allergic to it, if you have malabsorption syndrome (an inability to absorb food and nutrients properly), or if you are pregnant.

Use orlistat exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Never share orlistat with another person, especially someone with a history of eating disorders.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember, but no more than 1 hour after eating a meal. If it has been more than an hour since your last meal, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at your next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention.

Orlistat blocks some of the fat that you eat, keeping it from being absorbed by your body.

Orlistat is used to aid in weight loss, or to help reduce the risk of regaining weight already lost. This medicine must be used together with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. Orlistat is for use only in adults that are overweight or obese.

What other drugs will affect orlistat?

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to use orlistat if you are also using any of the following drugs:

amiodarone;

cyclosporine;

insulin or oral diabetes medicine;

HIV or AIDS medications;

seizure medicine (especially if your seizures get worse while taking this medicine);

a vitamin or mineral Supplement that contains beta-carotene or vitamin E

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with orlistat, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use orlistat only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.