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Orlistat is a drug that is used during a slimming treatment. The mechanism of action of this medicine is based on reducing the absorption of fats and the amount of calories provided to the body. How to properly dose Orlistat to effectively get rid of the obesity problem? Are there any contraindications to the use of Orlistat?
Orlistat – mechanism of action
Orlistat is a drug used in clinical practice for the treatment of obesity. Orlistat is a lipase inhibitor produced in the human digestive system. This means that it inhibits the enzymes that are responsible for the digestion of fats. As a result of this action, fats that enter the gastrointestinal tract along with food are not hydrolyzed to monoglycerides and free fatty acids, which is why they are simply not absorbed. Fat absorption is reduced by approximately 30% when using the recommended dose of Orlistat. Increased excretion of fecal fat occurs 24-48 hours after taking the drug. After stopping the treatment with Orlistat, lipase activity returns to normal, thanks to the continuous secretion of the enzyme into the lumen of the gastrointestinal tract.
Orlistat – indications and contraindications
The indication for the use of Orlistat is the treatment of obesity, which is complementary to the simultaneous slimming diet. If the body weight does not decrease by at least 3% within 5 months, the use of Orlistat should be discontinued. It is worth noting that the drug Orlistat is the first drug on the medical market with proven effect that has been approved for use without a doctor’s prescription. Unfortunately, not every patient struggling with extra kilos can decide to use Orlistat. Hypersensitivity to this substance is a contraindication to the use of Orlistat. In addition, Orlistat should not be used by people with malabsorption syndrome, cholestasis or kidney and liver diseases. The drug is not recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding women. Orlistat is not a preparation that can be used to treat childhood obesity.
Orlistat – correct dosage
Orlistat should be used strictly as prescribed by the doctor. Usually one tablet is taken with food, possibly up to an hour after eating. In the case of foods with no fat, the dose is omitted. Orlistat should not be used for more than two years.
Orlistat – interactions with other medical preparations
Orlistat cannot be used in combination with other medicinal products. Orlistat reacts with such drugs as: acarbose, warfarin and other anticoagulants or cyclosporine A. It is worth noting that the use of Orlistat interferes with the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, i.e. vitamins A, D, E and K. Therefore, in When taking Orlistat, the complexes of these vitamins should be taken once a day at night.
Side effects when taking Orlistat
The use of Orlistat may cause side effects in patients. The most common side effects that patients complain about are abdominal pain, diarrhea, flatulence, faecal incontinence, liver damage, irregular periods, fatigue, allergic skin reactions, as well as dental and gum disease.
Before use, read the leaflet, which contains indications, contraindications, data on side effects and dosage as well as information on the use of the medicinal product, or consult your doctor or pharmacist, as each drug used improperly is a threat to your life or health.