Orlistat belongs to a class of medications called lipase inhibitors, which can reduce the absorption of fat from the diet. It is used as an obesity-management medication for severely obese patients (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2 or ≥ 27 kg/m2 with co-morbidities, such as hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia). It is especially useful for patients with a high-fat diet.
Orlistat is taken orally as capsules.
Orlistat 120 mg-formulation:
120 mg three times daily, with meals.
Orlistat 60 mg-formulation:
60 mg three times daily, with meals.
Common side effects of Orlistat include headache, influenza, back pain, flatulence with discharge, fatty/oily stools, increased defecation, upper respiratory tract infection, and abdominal discomfort.
Common dosing schedule:
Orlistat should be administered during or up to 1 hour after each main meal containing fat. The dose can be omitted if a meal is missed or contains no fat.
Also, separate doses by at least 2 hours from multivitamins containing fat-soluble vitamins.
If used concurrently with Orlistat, you should take Levothyroxine at least 4 hours before or 4 hours after the Orlistat dose.
This schedule is for reference only, adjustments may be made according to individual needs.
Some common medications Orlistat may interact with:
Please notify your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking the above medication, dosage adjustments might be needed.
In Hong Kong, Orlistat 60 mg is a medicine under supervised sales and can be purchased under the supervision of a pharmacist from any pharmacies in Hong Kong. Orlistat 120 mg is a prescription drug. It can be obtained from doctors. To find a pharmacy near you, refer to the list of pharmacies (“Authorized Sellers of Poisons”) from the Hong Kong Department of Health.
For more information about drug names and ingredients, you can visit Hong Kong’s Drug Office at https://www.drugoffice.gov.hk
Need more information?
For detailed information about the use of Orlistat in children, pregnancy and breastfeeding, and for questions about drug interactions, please check with your pharmacist or doctor.
Disclaimer: our goal is to provide you with the most relevant drug information and common dosage for Hong Kong. This information does not constitute medical advice. For specific treatment recommendations and advice, always discuss with your doctor or pharmacist, and follow the instructions included with your specific medicine.
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