Orlistat
Orlistat is a medicine taken by mouth to support weight management in adults. It acts inside the gut, limiting how much fat from a meal is broken down and absorbed. It is used together with a reduced-calorie diet.
Key points
- Orlistat blocks gastrointestinal lipases, so a share of the fat eaten in a meal leaves the body in the stool rather than being absorbed.
- It is intended for adults and works alongside a reduced-calorie diet, not as a replacement for one.
- Changes in bowel habit are the usual early effect and tend to follow how much fat each meal contains.
What Orlistat is and what it is used for
Orlistat is a lipase inhibitor used in the management of obesity and overweight in adults. It supports weight loss and weight maintenance when combined with a reduced-calorie diet. Unlike appetite suppressants, it acts on digestion rather than on the central nervous system. It sits within the wider group of weight management medicines.
How it works
The medicine inhibits gastric and pancreatic lipases, the enzymes that break down dietary fat in the gut. Fat that is not broken down cannot be absorbed, so it is passed out through bowel movements. The effect starts within 1 to 2 hours, and how long it lasts varies with the meal. Because the action is peripheral, the medicine does not need to act on the brain.
Forms and brands on MayChemist
Two listings contain orlistat as a hard capsule in 60 mg and 120 mg strengths: Xenical and Orlistat. Both are taken by mouth with meals that contain fat. Pharmacy partners in India ship to Malaysia in discreet packaging.
Safety
Orlistat should not be used by people with chronic malabsorption syndrome or cholestasis. It is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding, and it is for adults only. A balanced diet matters, and adequate intake of fat-soluble vitamins should be maintained, for example through a multivitamin.
Bowel habits often change: flatulence, faecal urgency, fatty stools and abdominal pain are common, while liquid stools and incontinence are more moderate effects. Cholelithiasis, pancreatitis and hepatitis are serious and need immediate medical attention.
Orlistat interacts with ciclosporin, levothyroxine, amiodarone and warfarin. When ciclosporin and orlistat are both used, ciclosporin is given 3 hours after orlistat.
What the sources say
- Orlistat reversibly inhibits gastrointestinal lipases and is indicated for obesity management, covering weight loss and weight maintenance alongside a reduced-calorie diet (DailyMed).
- It is also indicated to lower the risk of regaining weight after earlier weight loss (DailyMed).
- Patients are advised to take a multivitamin containing fat-soluble vitamins so that nutrition stays adequate (DailyMed).
- Where orlistat and ciclosporin are used together, ciclosporin is administered 3 hours after orlistat (DailyMed).
Further reading
FAQ
What is orlistat used for?
Orlistat is a lipase inhibitor used in the management of obesity and overweight in adults. It supports weight loss and weight maintenance when combined with a reduced-calorie diet.
How does orlistat work?
Orlistat inhibits gastric and pancreatic lipases, the enzymes that break down dietary fat in the gut. Fat that is not broken down cannot be absorbed, so it is passed out through bowel movements.
Which products here contain orlistat?
You'll find orlistat in Xenical and Orlistat, among others. The listing above lets you compare forms, strengths and packs.
How long does orlistat take to work?
Orlistat starts to work within 1 to 2 hours, and its duration varies with the meal.
What are the side effects of orlistat?
Common side effects include flatulence, faecal urgency, fatty stools and abdominal pain. Liquid stools and incontinence are more moderate effects, while cholelithiasis, pancreatitis and hepatitis are serious and need immediate medical attention. Speak to a doctor or pharmacist if you are concerned.
Can orlistat be taken with other medicines?
Orlistat interacts with ciclosporin, levothyroxine, amiodarone and warfarin. Ask a doctor or pharmacist about taking orlistat with other medicines.
Who should not take orlistat?
Orlistat should not be used by people with chronic malabsorption syndrome or cholestasis. It is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding, and it is for adults only.
What other brand names does orlistat go by?
Apart from what's listed here, you may see orlistat sold as Alli. Brand names change from country to country, so the active ingredient is the safest thing to compare.
Do you send orlistat to Malaysia?
Yes. Our pharmacy partners send orders from India to Malaysia in plain, discreet packaging. Express Tracked Courier takes up to 1 week; Standard Airmail can take up to 3 weeks.
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