Xenical 120 Mg (Orlistat)

Xenical 120 mg (Orlistat) is a prescription medication used to support long-term weight management in adults with obesity or overweight. It works by reducing the absorption of dietary fat when combined with a reduced-calorie diet and regular physical activity.

What is Xenical 120 Mg (Orlistat)?

Know a little more about Xenical (Orlistat) before we discuss other aspects of this weight management medication:

• The active ingredient in this weight management medicine is Orlistat. It is indicated for adults with obesity (BMI ≥30 kg/m²) or overweight (BMI ≥27 kg/m²) with associated risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or type 2 diabetes.
• Unlike some weight management medications that affect appetite pathways, Xenical works locally in the digestive tract as a lipase inhibitor.

Benefits of Xenical 120 Mg

Here are the benefits of Xenical weight management capsules:

• Xenical supports weight management by reducing the absorption of dietary fat when used along with a reduced-calorie diet and regular physical activity.
• Since Xenical works primarily in the digestive tract, its effects are mainly related to gastrointestinal activity.
• When combined with a reduced-calorie diet and regular exercise, Xenical may help support long-term weight maintenance.
• Weight reduction achieved with Xenical alongside lifestyle changes may help improve certain obesity-related health markers.

How Does Xenical 120 Mg Work?

Here is the action mechanism of Xenical 120 mg:

• Dietary fats are broken down by lipase enzymes produced by the stomach and pancreas during digestion.
• Xenical prevents the breakdown and absorption of some dietary fats by binding with lipase enzymes in the digestive tract.
• Since the fat molecules do not break down, around 30% of the fats found in the consumed food are expelled through stools during bowel movements.
• By reducing the absorption of dietary fat, Xenical may support weight management when combined with lifestyle changes.

Xenical 120 Mg Dosage & Administration

Learn about the dosage instructions for 120mg Xenical capsules:

• Each Xenical capsule contains 120 mg of Orlistat. The usual recommended adult dose of Xenical is 120 mg taken with each main meal containing fat, as directed by a healthcare professional.
• If a meal is skipped or does not contain any dietary fat, the dose may be skipped. The duration of treatment should be determined by a healthcare professional based on individual response and treatment goals.
• Treatment effectiveness is generally evaluated after 12 weeks of use based on weight management progress and individual response.

Side Effects of Xenical 120 Mg

The common side effects of this weight management medication are:

• Increased urge to have bowel movements.
• Loose, oily, or fatty stools due to passing of unabsorbed fats.
• Oily spotting or leakage from the rectum.
• Oily discharge through flatulence.

The severe but rare side effects that require medical attention are:

• Severe allergic reactions such as shortness of breath, hives, swelling of the face/tongue/throat, etc.
• Serious liver injury with signs such as dark urine, yellowing of eyes or skin, and severe pain in the right side of the abdomen.
• Blood in urine or sharp pain in the lower back due to high levels of oxalate – signs of kidney issues.

Drug Interactions of Xenical 120 Mg

Before taking Xenical (Orlistat) capsules, it is important to have your medical history and ongoing treatment reviewed by a healthcare professional. The following medications may require monitoring or medical guidance when used with Xenical:

• Since the medicine reduces fat absorption in the body, it may affect the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins such as vitamins A, D, E, and K. A healthcare professional may recommend a multivitamin supplement, taken at least 2 hours before or after Xenical.
• Cyclosporine should be used with caution alongside Xenical 120 mg, as Orlistat may reduce its absorption and lower Cyclosporine blood levels. Regular monitoring may be required.
• Levothyroxine and Amiodarone may require monitoring or dose adjustments when used with Xenical, as Orlistat can reduce the absorption of these medications.

Who Should Avoid Xenical 120 mg?

Xenical may not be suitable for people with:

• Chronic malabsorption syndrome
• Cholestasis
• Previous allergic reaction to Orlistat
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding unless advised by a healthcare provider

Precautions and Warnings of Xenical 120 Mg

Important precautions to consider when using Xenical include:

• Contraindications are cholestasis (impaired bile flow from the liver), chronic malabsorption syndrome, and pregnancy.
• To prevent the risk of gastrointestinal consequences, keep dietary fat intake at approximately 30% or less of total daily calories.
• Distribute dietary fat evenly across the three main meals. This may help reduce cramps, flatulence, and oily stools caused by undigested fat.
• Maintain caution if you have a history of calcium oxalate kidney stones – Xenical may elevate the level of urinary oxalate, causing stones.
• Talk to a healthcare professional if you are on medicines for high blood pressure or type 2 diabetes if intending to use Xenical, for dosage adjustments. This may help prevent excessively low blood pressure or blood glucose levels after weight reduction.

How to Store Xenical 120 Mg

Store Xenical 120 mg capsules at room temperature below 77°F (25°C) in their original packaging. Keep away from moisture, heat, and direct sunlight. Keep out of reach of children and pets.

Medical References

• Xenical (Orlistat) Prescribing Information – DailyMed (National Library of Medicine)
• Treatment for Overweight & Obesity – National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIH)
• Prescription Weight-Loss Drugs – Mayo Clinic