Orlistat 60 mg

Category- Allopathy

Medicine Highlights

Orlistat Uses

Orlistat 60 mg is an oral medicine belonging to the category of gastrointestinal lipase inhibitors and is used for the management of obesity, weight loss, and weight maintenance.

Orlistat side effects 

More Common  

1. Bladder pain 
2. Body aches 
3. Chills 
4. Cough 
5. Diarrhea 
6. Difficulty with breathing 
7. Ear congestion 
8. Fever 
9. General feeling of discomfort or illness 
10. Headache 
11. Loss of appetite 
12. Loss of voice 
13. Lower back or side pain 
14. Muscle aches and pains 
15. Nasal congestion 
16. Nausea 
17. Runny nose 
18. Shivering 
19. Sneezing 
20. Sore throat 
21. Sweating 
22. Trouble sleeping 
23. Unusual tiredness or weakness 
24. Vomiting 

Less Common 

1. Itching of the vagina or genital area 
2. Menstrual changes 
3. Pain during sexual intercourse 
4. Rectal pain or discomfort 
5. Thick, white vaginal discharge with no odor or with a mild odor 
6. Chest tightness 
7. Tooth or gum problems 
8. Trouble breathing 

How Orlistat works 

Orlistat works by blocking enzymes in your stomach and intestines that normally break fat from food. Orlistat stops them from working, so about one-third of the fat you eat leaves your body undigested through stool. This helps reduce calorie intake without affecting your hunger or brain. For patients, it’s a way to support weight loss by helping the body say “no” to extra fat, making healthy habits more effective.

Safety Measures and Warning 

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this, or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals.

Pregnancy

Pregnant women are not recommended to take orlistat, as there are no human studies supporting its safety during pregnancy, and weight loss medicines are not recommended for pregnant women, as they can make them weak. In case of an emergency, consult a doctor before using it.

Breastfeeding

Orlistat passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should stop breastfeeding or stop orlistat.

Kidney and Liver Problems

Patients with previous liver and kidney damage are not recommended to take the medicine, as it can cause liver and kidney toxicity while being removed from the body. 

Orlistat Interaction with Food Product 

Orlistat is generally safe with food, and it is recommended to avoid alcohol and smoking with Orlistat, as they can alter the drug’s effect and may cause severe drowsiness and sedation because of their direct action on the brain.

Orlistat Interaction with Other Medicines  

Avoid taking Orlistat 60 mg with the following medicines, as it may increase or decrease the desired effect, or in worse cases, it could be fatal:

Orlistat Chemical Structure

IUPAC (International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry)/ Chemical name

(S)-((S)-1-((2S,3S)-3-hexyl-4-oxooxetan-2-yl) tridecan-2-yl) 2-formamido-4-methylpentanoate

Intake routine/cycle

Daily dose

Take Orlistat exactly as your doctor recommends. The dose may change based on your condition and how well you respond. Do not take more than prescribed without consulting your doctor.

Missed Dose

If you forget to take your medicine, take the medication as soon as you remember. If it’s nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed one and continue with your regular schedule. Always consult the doctor before making any changes to your dosage.

Overdose

It is not recommended to take more than 800 mg of orlistat per day, as it may cause severe overdosing effects like kidney and liver damage, fatigue, drowsiness, severe low blood pressure, and dizziness. If you face any of the severe effects, please contact the doctor.

Storage

1. Store the medicine at room temperature 
2. Keep away from sunlight and moisture 
3. Keep out of reach of children 

Directions for use 

1. Take Orlistat exactly as prescribed by your doctor, at the same time each day. 
2. Do not stop taking Orlistat without your doctor’s approval, even if you feel better. 
3. If you forget to take Orlistat, take it as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. 

Orlistat Summary 

Orlistat aids weight loss and helps prevent weight regain when combined with a low-fat diet and regular exercise. It works by blocking enzymes in your stomach that normally digest fat, so about one-third of the fat you eat passes out of your body undigested. This helps reduce calorie intake without affecting your hunger. Common side effects of orlistat include oily or frequent bowel movements, gas, and stomach cramps, especially if you eat fatty foods. It may also lower levels of vitamins like A, D, E, and K, so supplements might be needed under medical supervision. Orlistat isn’t suitable for pregnant women, people with digestive problems, or those taking certain medicines, like cyclosporine or warfarin. To avoid side effects, keep your meals low in fat and take vitamin supplements at least two hours apart from the medicine.

FAQ’s

What are the side effects of orlistat? 

Common side effects of orlistat include oily or frequent bowel movements, gas, and stomach cramps, especially if you eat fatty foods. It may also lower levels of vitamins like A, D, E, and K, so supplements might be needed.

What are the uses of orlistat tablets?

Orlistat is a gastrointestinal lipase inhibitor, and it is used for weight loss and prevention of weight gain after weight loss.

What is the mechanism of action of orlistat?

Orlistat works by blocking enzymes in your stomach and intestines that normally break down fat from food. Think of these enzymes as chefs preparing fat for absorption. Orlistat stops them from working, so about one-third of the fat you eat stays undigested and leaves your body through stool.

Which drug class does Orlistat belong to?

Orlistat belongs to the class of gastrointestinal lipase inhibitors, which prevent fat absorption in the body.

Reference 

1. National Center for Biotechnology Information. PubChem Compound Summary for CID 3034010, Orlistat. [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); [cited 2025 Aug 6]. Available from. 
2. Mayo Clinic. Orlistat (oral route) description. [Internet]. Rochester (MN): Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; [cited 2025 Aug 6]. Available from. 
3. Drugs.com. Orlistat: Uses, dosage, and side effects. [Internet]. [cited 2025 Aug 6]. Available from. 
4. Bray GA, Ryan DH. Orlistat. In: Stat Pearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): Stat Pearls Publishing; 2023 Jan– [cited 2025 Aug 6]. Available from. 
5. WebMD. Orlistat oral: Uses, side effects, interactions. [Internet]. [cited 2025 Aug 6]. Available from.

Siva Krishna Adithya Bhumireddy

Siva Krishna Adithya Bhumireddy completed a Bachelor of Pharmacy from GIET School of Pharmacy, affiliated with Andhra University, and from his 3rd year of graduation, he was working as a freelance medical and publication writer. Having expertise in systematic reviews and clinical research. With his keen interest and skills in research and documentation practices, he also reviewed more than 150 manuscripts from international journals like Elsevier, Springer Nature, and Sage Journals, and all the manuscripts were indexed and appeared in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases, and he received honorary recognition letters and certificates from all of them. Siva Krishna Adithya also published a few systematic, narrative reviews and a few chapters of international expertise.