Orlistat

Question 1

What are the indications for orlistat?

Answer 1

indicated for weight loss in over 18 year olds who are overweight BMI>28

Question 2

How should it be taken?

Answer 2

with a mildly hypocaloric lower-fat diet

Question 3

What is it C/I in?

Answer 3

1. Hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients
2. people with chronic malabsorption syndrome
3. people with cholestasis
4. concurrent tx with ciclosporin
5. P/BF

Question 4

What dosage should pts take?

Answer 4

one 60mg capsule TDS - take with water immediately before or during or up to one hour after each meal

no more than 3 should be taken in 24 hours

if a meal is missed or contains no fat - do not take orlistat

Question 5

how long should tx not exceed?

Answer 5

6 months

Question 6

Any interactions?

Answer 6

• indirectly reduces oral contraceptives and leads to unwanted pregnancies
• acarbose
• amiodarone - decrease levels of amiodarone
• hypothyroidism