Xenical - Orlistat

What is it?

Composition

The composition of the drug Xenical includes an active substance and auxiliary components that ensure its effectiveness and stability. The main active substance is orlistat - a powerful lipase inhibitor responsible for blocking enzymes that break down fats in the gastrointestinal tract. Excipients help maintain the form and quality of the drug, and also ensure its proper absorption by the body.

The drug is available in the form of capsules, each of which contains:

• Orlistat - 120 mg (main active substance).
• Excipients: microcrystalline cellulose, crospovidone, sodium lauryl sulfate.
• Gelatin shell: titanium dioxide, indigotine (E132), edible dye.

This balanced composition helps ensure the stable effectiveness of Xenical, allowing the drug to act as specifically as possible to reduce fat absorption.

How to use?

Xenical requires certain rules to be followed to achieve the best effect. The drug is usually taken with each main meal or no later than an hour after a meal. If the meal does not contain fat, you can skip the capsule, as in this case orlistat will not be needed to block fats.

The recommended dosage is one capsule (120 mg) three times a day. It is important to remember that exceeding this dose will not lead to better results, but may increase the risk of side effects.

1. Take the capsule with water during or within an hour after a meal.
2. Do not take the capsule if you have missed a meal or if your diet does not contain fat.
3. Follow a balanced diet, where about 30% of calories should come from fat.

These simple rules will help you use Xenical as effectively as possible, reducing the risk of adverse reactions and helping you achieve stable results in the process of losing weight.

How does it work?

Xenical works at the level of the digestive system by blocking the enzyme lipase, which is responsible for breaking down fats from food. When lipase is inhibited, fats are not broken down into smaller components that can be absorbed by the body. As a result, about 30% of fats from food are simply excreted unchanged through the intestines. This helps reduce the total number of calories entering the body and promotes gradual weight loss.

This mechanism of action is particularly effective because it does not affect the central nervous system, as many other weight loss drugs do. Thus, Xenical minimizes the risks of side effects associated with the impact on the psyche and cardiovascular system, making its use safer and more suitable for long-term use. Regular use of the drug in combination with a low-calorie diet and physical activity helps to achieve sustainable weight loss results.

Indications

Xenical is indicated for use in patients who are obese or overweight, especially if they have comorbidities associated with excess body weight. The drug is recommended as an adjunct to a moderately hypocaloric diet and exercise to help control body weight. Xenical is indicated for use in people with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, as well as in those with a BMI of 27 or higher if risk factors such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes, or dyslipidemia are present.

Key indications include:

• Obesity with a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30 kg/m².
• Overweight with a BMI ≥ 27 kg/m² in the presence of concomitant risk factors (e.g., diabetes, hypertension).
• Maintenance of stable weight after weight loss.
• Prevention of weight gain after achieving optimal body weight.

These indications make Xenical an important tool in the complex therapy of patients seeking to achieve and maintain a healthy weight.

Contraindications

Like any drug, Xenical has a number of contraindications that must be taken into account before starting its use. One of the main contraindications is the presence of an allergy or hypersensitivity to orlistat or any of the auxiliary components of the drug. In addition, the use of Xenical is contraindicated in certain conditions associated with impaired absorption of nutrients in the intestine.

The main contraindications include:

• Chronic malabsorption syndrome (impaired absorption of nutrients).
• Cholestasis (impaired bile flow).
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding.
• Hypersensitivity to orlistat or other components of the drug.

It is important to discuss all possible contraindications with your doctor before starting to take Xenical to avoid complications and make the weight loss process safe and effective.

Side effects

Although Xenical is considered a relatively safe drug, some people may experience side effects, especially at the beginning of treatment. Most side effects are related to the digestive system, as orlistat blocks the absorption of fats. These effects are usually temporary and may decrease as the body adapts to the drug. It is important to remember that following a low-fat diet can significantly reduce the risk of such reactions.

The most common side effects include:

• Greasy or oily stools.
• Frequent urge to defecate or increased gas.
• Abdominal pain or discomfort in the intestinal area.
• Small drops of oil in the stool or an urgent urge to defecate.

These side effects usually do not require medical intervention and go away on their own, especially if you follow dietary recommendations and limit fat in your diet. However, if symptoms persist or become severe, it is important to seek medical advice.