Orlistat
5,335 views
Gastrointestinal Pharm
- H2 Blockers (Cimetidine, Ranitidine, Famotidine)
- Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs)
- Misoprostol
- Orlistat
- Antacids
- Bismuth & Sucralfate
- Octreotide
- Diphenoxylate vs. Loperamide
- Ondansetron
- Metoclopramide
- Bulk-forming Laxatives
- Senna
- Docusate
- Aprepitant
Summary
Orlistat is a drug that works by inhibiting lipase. This prevents the breakdown and absorption of lipids in the GI tract, reducing the overall caloric absorption from food. This mechanism is used to promote weight loss in patients with obesity, in conjunction with dietary changes and exercise regimens. The most common side effects of taking orlistat include steatorrhea, or fatty greasy stools, along with GI upset as a result of fat malabsorption. Reduced fat absorption also impairs intake of fat-soluble vitamins, like vitamin A, D, E, and K. Therefore, patients taking orlistat may also experience fat soluble vitamin deficiencies.
Key Points
- Orlistat
- Mechanism
- Inhibits gastric and pancreatic lipases
- Decreases the breakdown and absorption of dietary fat in intestine
- Inhibits gastric and pancreatic lipases
- Clinical use
- Used for weight loss/obesity management (long-term)
- Used in conjunction with a healthy diet
- Used for weight loss/obesity management (long-term)
- Adverse Effects
- Causes diarrhea/steatorrhea
- Causes a fat-soluble vitamin deficiency
- Specifically, vitamins A, D, E, and K
- Mechanism