How to Use Orlistat
Orlistat is a generic weight loss medication. In the United States it is available as an over-the-counter medication and as a prescription-strength medication. Prescription Orlistat is stronger than the nonprescription over-the-counter version. Over-the-counter Orlistat is marketed under the brand name Alli and comes in 60 mg per dose. The prescription version is marketed under the brand name Xenical and comes in 120 mg per dose. Orlistat works by inhibiting the body's ability to fully absorb fat from food.
Instructions
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Eat nutritionally balanced low fat meals. Altogether, meals should contain 30 percent or less fat.
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Take one capsule of Orlistat orally with each meal or within one hour after eating. Ideally, you should eat three meals a day and take a total of three Orlistat capsules a day. If you skip a meal, skip taking your dose of Orlistat. If you eat a meal that does not contain fat, skip your dose of Orlistat.
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Take one complete multivitamin supplement a day, two hours before or two hours after a meal. Choose a multivitamin supplement that contains vitamins A, D, E, K and beta carotene.
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Tips & Warnings
Orlistat is most effective when combined with a healthy low fat diet and exercise. Read food labels to determine the fat content of foods. Orlistat can cause loose bowel movements, an oily leakage from the anus, gas, increased bowel movements, urgency to have a bowel movement, abdominal pain, rectal pain, headaches, nervousness or a change in the menstrual cycle.
Orlistat is not approved for use in children under 18 years old. Tell your doctor or pharmacist all prescription and non-prescription medications that you are taking before taking Orlistat, which may interact poorly with some medications. Stop taking Orlistat and contact your doctor if you experience hives, rash, itching, breathing difficulty, or severe or long-lasting abdominal pain.
