Xenical
What is Xenical?
Xenical is a prescription pill which aids weight loss. Doctors prescribe Xenical to patients who are clinically obese or overweight with obesity related health problems such as type 2 diabetes and dyslipidaemia. Roche pharmaceutical manufactures Xenical and markets it in many countries worldwide. It is available in the UK and many other European nations, as European Union has approved it. Xenical is also available in the US, as FDA has also approved it.
How does Xenical work?
Xenical contains orlistat, as active ingredient, which works in the digestive system of the body unlike many other anti-obesity drugs that work in the brain. Xenical blocks about one third of the fats eaten during meals. When taken with meals, Xenical attaches to the enzymes and blocks them from breaking down some of the fat eaten. The unabsorbed fats in the body pass out through the bowel movements.
In this process, fat soluble Vitamins A, D, E, and K also do not get absorbed. This loss of important fats is made up with the help of supplements, which are taken along with Xenical dosages.
What is the standard dosage of Xenical?
The standard dosage of Xenical is a 120mg capsule taken three times a day with meals. Patients should take it as per doctor’s recommendation.
What are the side effects of Xenical?
The side effects of Xenical are mainly gastrointestinal in nature. The most common side effects are flatulence and faecal incontinence. Sometimes it can result in oily spotting. Patients can also suffer increased frequency of bowel movements, fatty or oily stools.
What are the contraindications for Xenical?
Not everyone can take Xenical, as it may result in occurrence of side effects.
· Pregnant women or breastfeeding women should not take Xenical
· Patients who take cyclosporine should consult with the doctor before taking Xenical
· Patients should inform the doctor about all the prescription or over the counter medicines taken in the past before taking Xenical
· Patients taking digoxin drugs should not take Xenical
What are the precautions for Xenical?
· Patients should take supplements at least two hours before or after taking the dosage of Xenical
· Patients should store the Xenical medication at room temperature, as it should not be exposed to moisture or heat
· When patients skip a meal or eat meal with low fat content, then they can skip that scheduled dosage of Xenical
· Patients should take Xenical capsule with full glass of water
· If patients miss a dose of Xenical, then they can take it as soon as they remember but not after one hour of eating the meal
· In case patients take overdose of Xenical, then they should inform the doctor about it
Brief description
Xenical is a prescription drug for weight loss. It is manufactured by Roche and works in unique manner to help in weight loss. The active ingredient in Xenical is orlistat and it works in the digestive system. Xenical works by not allowing certain fats to be broken down and be absorbed in the body. This results in some gastrointestinal side effects of Xenical such as flatulence, faecal incontinence, and urgent need to have bowels. Pregnant or breastfeeding women and people with gastrointestinal problems should not take Xenical.