Medicine & USMLE

Orlistat

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GI Drugs
  1. Ondansetron
  2. Sucralfate
  3. Docusate (Stool Softener)
  4. Bulk Forming Laxatives (Psyllium, Methylcellulose)
  5. Osmotic Laxatives (Lactulose, PEG)
  6. Stimulant Laxatives (Senna, Bisacodyl)
  7. Antidiarrheals (Loperamide, Diphenoxylate-Atropine)
  8. Bismuth Subsalicylate
  9. Antacids
  10. Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs)
  11. H2 Blockers
  12. Metoclopramide
  13. Misoprostol
  14. Orlistat
  15. Octreotide

Summary

Orlistat is a weight loss medication that works by reducing fat absorption in the gut. Side effects include steatorrhea, or fatty, greasy stools. Orlistat also can cause vitamin deficiencies of the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K. These vitamins should be supplemented during orlistat treatment.

Key Points

  • Orlistat (Xenical)
    • Mechanism
      • Lipase inhibitor
        • Reduces GI fat absorption
    • Clinical Use
      • Weight loss
        • To be taken with meals
    • Side Effects and Adverse Reactions
      • Steatorrhea
        • Fatty, oily bowel movements due to reduced GI fat absorption (more fat in feces)
        • Patients may be prescribed psyllium to reverse adverse GI effects
      • Vitamin deficiency
        • Can reduce the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins like Vitamins A, D, E, and K
        • These vitamins should be supplemented in patients taking orlistat