Xenical is an oral prescription
anti-obesity drug manufactured
by Roche Pharmaceuticals. It
belongs to a class of drugs
known as lipase inhibitors.
Xenical works by decreasing
the amount of fat that is absorbed
in the body. It thus helps obese
people lose weight and keep
the weight off. However for
Xenical to be effective it must
be used in combination with
a low calorie diet.
The active ingredient in Xenical
is orlistat, which is a white
to off-white crystalline powder
that is practically insoluble
in water, freely soluble in
chloroform, and very soluble
in methanol and ethanol. Each
capsule of Xenical contains
120 mgs of orlistat as well
as inactive ingredients such
as microcrystalline cellulose,
sodium starch glycolate, sodium
lauryl sulfate, povidone, and
talc. The capsule’s shell
contains gelatin, titanium dioxide,
and FD&C Blue No.1 Aluminum
Lake, with printing of pharmaceutical
glaze NF.
Special
Precautions
Before taking Xenical your doctor
needs to be aware if you suffer
from any of the following conditions:
- an eating disorder, such as
anorexia or bulimia
- food absorption problems (chronic
malabsorption)
- gallbladder problems or gallstones
- diabetes
- an allergy to orlistat, or
any of its ingredients
- if you are pregnant or trying
to get pregnant
- if you are breast-feeding
or
- if you are taking any other
weight-loss medications
It is important that while
you are on orlistat to keep
a close watch on your body’s
functioning. You also need to
keep an eye on the amount of
fat you eat, as too much dietary
fat can increase the side effects
of this drug. Also watch out
for any changes in your eyesight,
skin or hair that maybe caused
by a vitamin deficiency
Usage
of Xenical
Xenical should be taken orally
with a glass of water. It is
vital that you take this medication
exactly as prescribed. You can
take Xenical with your meals
or one hour after your meals.
Each main meal should contain
around 30% of calories from
fat.
If you happen to miss a meal
or have a meal without fat,
then you can skip taking Xenical
for that meal. It is necessary
to understand that Xenical does
not help an obese person lose
weight; it only inhibits the
absorption of fat in the body.
If you miss a dose of Xenical,
take it within an hour following
your meal however if it is almost
time for your next dose, skip
the missed dose. Never take
a double or an extra dose of
Xenical.
Drug
Interactions of Xenical
Xenical has been known to interact
with;
- dietary supplements, such
as beta-carotene and vitamins
A, D, E, and K
- warfarin
- cyclosporine
- pravastatin &
- drugs used in the treatment
of diabetes
As Xenical can cause a decrease
in the amount of fat-soluble
vitamins absorption some people
may need to take a daily multivitamin
that contains vitamins D, E,
K and beta-carotene. Take the
multivitamin once a day at least
2 hours after taking Xenical.
Also inform your doctor about
all other medication you are
on including non-prescription
medicines, nutritional supplements,
and herbal products. Inform
your doctor if you frequently
drink caffeine or alcohol or
if you smoke or use illegal
drugs, as they can affect the
way Xenical works in your system.
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