Orlistat oral capsule dosage: A detailed guide

This article describes orlistat oral capsule’s dosages and strengths and gives details on how to take it. You’ll also find information on cost savings and coupon options for orlistat oral capsule. To learn more about orlistat oral capsule, talk with your doctor.

Orlistat oral capsule is a generic version of the brand-name drug Xenical.

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Dosage of orlistat oral capsule

This article describes the recommended dosages for orlistat oral capsule. The drugmaker provides these dosages. In some cases, doctors may adjust your dosage from those shown below.

If your doctor prescribes this medication, you should follow the dosage they prescribe. Your doctor will determine the dosage that best meets your needs. Do not change your dosage of orlistat oral capsule without your doctor’s recommendation.

Usual recommended dosages of orlistat oral capsule in adults

Below is the recommended dosage of orlistat oral capsule in adults.

Dosage for weight management and weight gain prevention

To manage weight and help prevent weight gain in certain adults, the dosage of orlistat oral capsule is as follows:

• Dose: 120 milligrams (mg)
• Frequency: three times daily

Orlistat oral capsule should be taken with meals containing fat. You can take it during your meal or up to 1 hour after your meal. If you skip a meal or if it doesn’t contain fat, you can skip your dose of orlistat oral capsule.

Dosages of orlistat oral capsule in children

Orlistat oral capsule is approved to manage weight and help prevent weight gain in certain children ages 12 years and older. The usual dosage is as follows:

• Dose: 120 mg
• Frequency: three times daily

Orlistat oral capsule should be taken with meals containing fat. Your child can take it during their meal or up to 1 hour after their meal. If your child skips a meal or if it does not contain fat, they can skip their dose.

Frequently asked questions

Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about orlistat oral capsule and its dosage.

How much weight loss should I expect in the first week of taking orlistat oral capsule?

The amount of weight you lose from orlistat oral capsule can vary from person to person. You won’t likely notice much weight loss in a week.

In studies, over half of those who took orlistat oral capsule lost at least 5% of their body weight by the end of the first year of taking the drug. This was usually over 13 pounds.

Talk with your doctor to learn more about what to expect when you take orlistat oral capsule.

Does orlistat oral capsule come in a 60-mg strength? If so, how does it compare with the 120-mg strength?

No, orlistat oral capsule does not come in a 60-mg strength. However, Alli, a similar drug with the same active ingredient, comes in a 60-mg strength. An active ingredient is what makes a drug work. Alli is a brand-name drug that’s available over-the-counter (OTC). You don’t need a prescription to buy it. It’s used for weight management in certain adults.

Orlistat oral capsule comes in a 120-mg strength and it’s available only with a prescription. Orlistat oral capsule 120 mg is a higher dose than Alli 60 mg. So it’s possible to expect more weight loss with orlistat oral capsule 120 mg.

Talk with your doctor to learn more about which medication and dosage is best for you.

Form and strength of orlistat oral capsule

Orlistat oral capsule comes as follows:

• Form: capsule that you swallow
• Strength: 120 mg

Orlistat oral capsule coupon

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Overdose of orlistat oral capsule

It’s important that you do not take more orlistat oral capsule than your doctor prescribes. Doing so can lead to harmful effects.

What to do if you take too much orlistat oral capsule

If you think you’ve taken too much orlistat oral capsule, call your doctor or pharmacist right away. Or you could call 800-222-1222 to speak with someone at America’s Poison Centers. You can also use its online resource. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.

Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.