Xenical
Product formulated to manage obesity and intended to support weight reduction by inhibiting dietary fat absorption in the digestive tract.
- Category
- Weight Management
- Active ingredient
- Orlistat
- Supply
- Pharmacy
- Route
- Oral use
- Form
- Capsule, hard
- Strengths
- 60 · 120mg
Xenical details
- Conditions
- Obesity · Overweight
- Alternative names
- Alli
- Therapeutic class
- Lipase Inhibitor
- Pharmacological class
- Gastrointestinal Lipase Inhibitor
- Known off-label uses
- type 2 diabetes mellitus
- Contraindications
- chronic malabsorption syndrome; cholestasis; pregnancy; breastfeeding
- Minor side effects
- flatulence; faecal urgency; fatty stools; abdominal pain
- Moderate side effects
- liquid stools; incontinence
- Dosage forms
- Capsule, hard
- Administration route
- Oral use
- Supply category
- Pharmacist only, dispensed without a prescription
- Manufacturer
- Cheplapharm
- Onset Time
- 1–2 hours
- Duration
- variable based on meal
- Storage instructions
- Store below 25°C in a dry place, protected from sunlight.
- Drug interactions
- ciclosporin; levothyroxine; amiodarone; warfarin
- Age restrictions
- For adults only.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Pregnancy: Not recommended. Breastfeeding: Not recommended.
Precautions and warnings
maintain adequate intake of fat-soluble vitamins; may cause changes in bowel habits; maintain a balanced diet
Serious side effects
cholelithiasis, requires immediate medical attention; pancreatitis, requires immediate medical attention; hepatitis, requires immediate medical attention
Patient summary
Product formulated to manage obesity and intended to support weight reduction by inhibiting dietary fat absorption in the digestive tract.
Mechanism of action
This medicine acts as a peripheral lipase inhibitor, preventing the body from breaking down and absorbing fats from the diet, which are then eliminated through bowel movements.
Where this medicine is registered
- Singapore
- Hong Kong
- Thailand
- Malaysia
- Philippines
- Indonesia
- Taiwan
- South Korea
- Japan
- Australia
- New Zealand
- UAE
- South Africa
About Xenical
Xenical is a well-known brand of orlistat, a medicine used to assist with obesity and overweight conditions. The same active ingredient is also marketed under the brand Alli, and it is supplied as a tablet available in 60mg or 120mg strengths. Produced by Cheplapharm, this treatment helps manage weight by reducing the absorption of dietary fat.
Xenical availability in Asia
Xenical is registered across 14 markets including Taiwan, South Korea and Japan, with availability also in the UAE, Singapore and Hong Kong. Generic orlistat, much of it made in India, is far more affordable than the original brand for people across the region. Reliable access to this medicine is useful for expats living far from a reliable pharmacy. As with all treatments, orlistat is best used under a doctor’s care.