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Other strengths and forms by Square Pharmaceuticals PLC, Pabna
Indications & Uses
Olistat is indicated for:
Pharmacology
Orlistat is a powerful, highly selective, long-acting lipase inhibitor. It works within the stomach and upper small intestine, where it binds to the active serine site of gastric and pancreatic lipases and forms a covalent bond with them. This deactivates the enzymes, so they can no longer break down dietary fat (triglycerides) into the free fatty acids and monoglycerides the body would otherwise absorb. Because these undigested triglycerides pass through unabsorbed, a calorie deficit results, which helps with weight control. This means orlistat does not need to enter the bloodstream to work. At the recommended dose of 120 mg three times daily, it reduces dietary fat absorption by about 30%.
Dosage Reference
Reference Information Only
Dosages shown are general references from official sources. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist for personalized dosing.
Adults:
Orlistat is usually taken as one 120 mg capsule with each main meal, either just before eating, with the meal, or up to an hour afterward. If a meal is skipped or contains no fat, that dose should be skipped too. Taking more than 120 mg three times a day has not been shown to add any extra benefit. Its effect on fat absorption shows up as increased fecal fat within 24 to 48 hours of dosing, and after stopping treatment, fecal fat levels usually return to normal within 48 to 72 hours. Orlistat's safety and effectiveness have been studied in clinical trials lasting as long as 4 years, and the recommended dose for adolescents is the same as for adults. Special dosage note: Orlistat's tolerability and effectiveness have not been studied in elderly patients or in those with liver or kidney impairment.
Side Effects
Common: Side effects of Orlifit are mostly related to the digestive system. Patients commonly notice oily spotting from the rectum, gas, a sudden urge to pass stool, oily or fatty stools, and stomach discomfort. Rare: Some patients may occasionally experience flu-like symptoms, anxiety, headache, or tiredness. Allergic reactions have also been reported rarely, with symptoms such as itching, skin rash, hives, swelling beneath the skin, and, in rare cases, a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis).
Cautions & Contraindications
Warnings & Precautions
Before prescribing Orlifit, doctors should first rule out organic causes of obesity, such as hypothyroidism. Orlifit should not be given together with cyclosporine. If a patient is taking both drugs, cyclosporine should be taken at least 2 hours before or after Orlifit, and the cyclosporine level should be measured and checked often. In clinical trials, weight loss with Orlifit was smaller in people with type II diabetes than in people without diabetes. Anyone on antidiabetic medicine while taking Orlifit needs close monitoring. Blood sugar control may improve, so the dose of oral antidiabetic drugs or insulin may need to be adjusted. Patients should be asked to follow the dietary advice they have been given. Gastrointestinal side effects are more likely if Orlifit is taken with a fatty meal, so it helps to spread the day's fat intake across three main meals. Orlifit has been shown to reduce the absorption of some fat soluble vitamins and beta-carotene, so patients are strongly encouraged to take a multivitamin that contains fat soluble vitamins. This matters more because vitamin D and beta-carotene levels may already be low in obese patients compared with those who are not obese.
Contraindications
Orlistat should not be used by patients with chronic malabsorption syndrome or cholestasis, or by anyone who is hypersensitive to orlistat or to any other ingredient in the capsules.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Pregnancy: Orlistat falls under Pregnancy Category X. It is contraindicated during pregnancy, since weight loss offers no benefit to a pregnant woman and may cause fetal harm. Current guidance recommends a minimum weight gain, and no weight loss, for all pregnant women, including those who are already overweight or obese, because maternal tissues necessarily gain weight during pregnancy. If this drug is used during pregnancy, or if a patient becomes pregnant while taking it, she should be informed of the potential risk that maternal weight loss poses to the fetus.
Lactation: Whether Orlistat passes into human milk is not known. It should be used with caution in nursing mothers.
⚠️ Talk to your doctor before taking any medicine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
Overdose
Orlistat has been studied in normal-weight and obese people at a single dose of 800 mg, and at multiple doses of up to 400 mg three times a day for 15 days. No significant adverse findings were seen in these studies. If a significant overdose of Orlistat does happen, the patient should be observed for 24 hours. Human and animal studies suggest that any systemic effects linked to the lipase-inhibiting action of Orlistat should reverse quickly.
⚠️ In an emergency call 999 or go to the nearest hospital emergency department.
Storage
Keep Orlistat in a cool, dry place where the temperature stays below 30°C. Protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of reach of children.
Drug Interactions
Common questions about Olistat 60 mg
What is Olistat 60 mg Capsule?
Olistat 60 mg Capsule is a medicine that contains Orlistat. It is made by Square Pharmaceuticals PLC, Pabna. It belongs to the Appetite suppressant drugs/Anti-obesity drugs group of medicines.
What is Olistat used for?
Olistat is used for: Hypertension, Hyperlipidemia, Diabetes Mellitus, Obesity.
What are the side effects of Olistat?
Common: Side effects of Orlifit are mostly related to the digestive system. Patients commonly notice oily spotting from the rectum, gas, a sudden urge to pass stool, oily or fatty stools, and stomach discomfort.
Can I take Olistat during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
Pregnancy: Orlistat falls under Pregnancy Category X. It is contraindicated during pregnancy, since weight loss offers no benefit to a pregnant woman and may cause fetal harm. Talk to your doctor before taking any medicine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
What happens if I take too much Olistat?
Orlistat has been studied in normal-weight and obese people at a single dose of 800 mg, and at multiple doses of up to 400 mg three times a day for 15 days. No significant adverse findings were seen in these studies. In an emergency call 999 or go to the nearest hospital emergency department.
How should I store Olistat?
Keep Orlistat in a cool, dry place where the temperature stays below 30°C. Protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of reach of children.
Can I take other medicines with Olistat?
Some medicines can interact with Orlistat, for example: Cyclosporine, Vitamin E, Vitamin A, Astaxanthin, Alendronic Acid + Vitamin D3, Levothyroxine Sodium. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about every medicine you take.
Is there a cheaper medicine with the same ingredient?
Olistat is already among the lowest-priced brands of Orlistat at this strength.
Do I need a prescription for Olistat?
Olistat is a prescription (Rx) medicine. Take it as your doctor advises.