What is xenical?
Xenical is a prescription medication that is used to help people lose weight. It works by preventing the body from absorbing some of the fat from the food you eat.
Xenical is used in conjunction with a reduced-calorie diet and exercise program to help you lose weight.
Health Benefits
Xenical has been shown to be effective in helping people lose weight and keep it off. In one year-long study, participants who took Xenical lost an average of 10 percent of their body weight, while those who did not take the medication only lost an average of 5 percent.
Xenical has also been shown to help improve other health conditions related to obesity, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and type 2 diabetes.
Side Effects
The most common side effects of Xenical include:
· Stomach pain
· Diarrhea
· Gas and oil leakage from the rectum (greasy stools)
· Urinary tract infection
Less common side effects include:
· Headache
· Dizziness
· Depression
· Skin rash
Rare side effects include:
· Liver damage
· Kidney stones
If you experience any of these side effects, contact your doctor. They may be able to prescribe a different medication or adjust your dosage.
Xenical is generally well-tolerated, but like all medications, it has the potential for side effects. Be sure to talk to your doctor about any concerns you have.
Dosage
The recommended dose of Xenical is 120 mg three times a day with each main meal that contains fat. You should take Xenical with a glass of water.
You should start seeing results within two weeks of starting treatment. The amount of weight you lose will depend on how well you stick to your diet and exercise program.
If you have not lost any weight after 12 weeks, your doctor may discontinue your treatment.
Xenical is available in capsules. It is typically taken three times a day with each main meal that contains fat (no more than 30% of the total calories for that meal). A lower dose of 60 mg can be taken twice a day if necessary.
Your doctor will determine the best dose for you based on your weight, diet, and level of physical activity.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Xenical is not recommended for use during pregnancy. There is not enough evidence to know if it is safe for pregnant women to take this medication.
It is also not known if Xenical passes into breast milk. If you are breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before taking this medication.
Interactions
Xenical can interact with other medications and supplements. Be sure to tell your doctor about all the medications and supplements you take, including over-the-counter products.
Some of the medications that can interact with Xenical include:
· Antidepressants such as fluoxetine (Prozac) and sertraline (Zoloft)
· Blood thinners such as warfarin (Coumadin)
· Diabetes medications such as metformin (Glucophage)
· seizure medications such as phenytoin (Dilantin)
If you take any of these medications, your doctor may need to adjust your dosage or monitor you more closely.
Xenical can also interact with certain supplements, such as beta-carotene and vitamin E. Taking Xenical with these supplements can increase your risk of side effects. Be sure to talk to your doctor before taking any supplements.
Mechanism of Action
Xenical works by preventing the body from absorbing some of the fat from the food you eat. It does this by binding to enzymes in the digestive tract that are responsible for breaking down fats. This prevents the fats from being absorbed into the bloodstream and limits the amount of calories that you get from your food.
Pharmacokinetics
Xenical is absorbed into the bloodstream and then broken down by the liver. It is excreted in the stool. The active ingredient in Xenical (orlistat) has a half-life of one to two hours.
