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Drug

Orlistat

Common brand names:

Xenical

Pronounced

"OR-lih-stat"

Drug Interactions

See also How to Use section.

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

Some products that may interact with this drug include: "blood thinners" (such as warfarin), HIV medications (such as atazanavir, efavirenz, emtricitabine, lopinavir, tenofovir), ritonavir, triheptanoin.

If you are taking medications to treat seizures, orlistat may cause these drugs to not work as well. Stop taking orlistat and tell your doctor right away if your seizures are happening more often or are getting worse.

Supportive Interactions
5
- Orlistat
  Beta-Carotene
  Replenish Depleted Nutrients
  One well-controlled study showed that taking orlistat greatly reduces the absorption of beta-carotene. Therefore, individuals taking orlistat for long periods of time should probably supplement with beta-carotene.
  Beta-Carotene
  Orlistat
  ×
  1. Zhi J, Melia AT, Koss-Twardy SG, et al. The effect of orlistat, an inhibitor of dietary fat absorption, on the pharmacokinetics of beta-carotene in healthy volunteers. J Clin Pharmacol 1996;36:152-9.
- Orlistat
  Vitamin A
  Replenish Depleted Nutrients
  In one well-controlled study, taking orlistat for six months resulted in reduced blood levels of vitamins A and D, though levels for most individuals remained within the normal range. However, a few people developed levels low enough to require supplementation. Other studies have shown that taking orlistat had no affect on blood vitamin A levels. Although additional research is needed, the current evidence suggests that individuals taking orlistat for more than six months should supplement with vitamins A and D.
  Vitamin A
  Orlistat
  ×
  1. Van Gaal LF, Broom JI, Enzi G, Toplak H. Efficacy and tolerability of orlistat in the treatment of obesity: a 6-month dose ranging study. Orlistat Dose-Ranging Study Group. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 1998;54:125-32.
  2. Melia AT, Koss-Twardy SG, Zhi J. The effect of orlistat, an inhibitor of dietary fat absorption, on the absorption of vitamins A and E in healthy volunteers. J Clin Pharmacol 1996;36:647-53.
  3. James WP, Aveell A, Broom J, Whitehead J. A one-year trial to assess the value of orlistat in the management of obesity. Int J Obes Relat Metab Disord 1997;21 Suppl 3:S24-30.
- Orlistat
  Vitamin D
  Replenish Depleted Nutrients
  In one well-controlled study, taking orlistat for six months resulted in reduced blood levels of vitamins A and D, though levels for most individuals remained within the normal range. However, a few people developed levels low enough to require supplementation. Other studies have shown that taking orlistat had no affect on blood vitamin A levels. Although additional research is needed, the current evidence suggests that individuals taking orlistat for more than six months should supplement with vitamins A and D.
  Vitamin D
  Orlistat
  ×
  1. Van Gaal LF, Broom JI, Enzi G, Toplak H. Efficacy and tolerability of orlistat in the treatment of obesity: a 6-month dose ranging study. Orlistat Dose-Ranging Study Group. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 1998;54:125-32.
  2. Melia AT, Koss-Twardy SG, Zhi J. The effect of orlistat, an inhibitor of dietary fat absorption, on the absorption of vitamins A and E in healthy volunteers. J Clin Pharmacol 1996;36:647-53.
  3. James WP, Aveell A, Broom J, Whitehead J. A one-year trial to assess the value of orlistat in the management of obesity. Int J Obes Relat Metab Disord 1997;21 Suppl 3:S24-30.
- Orlistat
  Vitamin E
  Replenish Depleted Nutrients
  Taking orlistat dramatically reduces the absorption of vitamin E, which might result in deficiency symptoms. Therefore, people taking orlistat for long periods of time should supplement with vitamin E.
  Vitamin E
  Orlistat
  ×
  1. Sifton DW, ed. Physicians' Desk Reference. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 2000, 2693-6.
- Orlistat
  Psyllium
  Reduce Side Effects
  In a group of obese women taking orlistat three times per day, ingestion of 6 grams of psyllium with each dose of orlistat significantly reduced the gastrointestinal side effects of the drug.
  Psyllium
  Orlistat
  ×
  1. Cavaliere H, Floriano I, Medeiros-Neto G. Gastrointestinal side effects of orlistat may be prevented by concomitant prescription of natural fibers (psyllium mucilloid). Int J Obes Relat Metab Disord 2001;25:1095-9.