Orlistat (Tetrahydrolipstatin) by Cipla: results, dosages and side effects

Orlistat is an oral drug manufactured by Cipla which primary function is preventing the absorption of fats from the human diet, thereby reducing caloric intake. It is intended for use in conjunction with a reduced-calorie diet. It is used by people in treating obesity in people with certain risk factors, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol or level, but as well by athletes and bodybuilders which intend to lose weight and maintain a healthy and good looking physique. Orlistat comes in boxes, each unit containing 40 pills (120 mg/pill).

Orlistat works by inhibiting gastric and pancreatic lipases, the enzymes that break down triglycerides in the intestine. It has a relative capacity to reduce the blood pressure and to remove the unabsorbed fat from the body. It is useful for long term use and has been shown to be effective for 1-2 years. Dietary fats are inhibited from being absorbed and this allows about 30% of the consumed fat in the meal to pass through the intestine undigested. It should be carefully used by persons that have digestive disorders of any kind.

While using Orlistat the daily intake of food should be divided: intake of fat, carbohydrates, and protein over three main meals. At every mail or in an interval of at least 1 hour after meal .The drug should be taken with a glass of water. When sticking to the correct diet and procedure the effects of Orlistat are significant. After the intake of Orlistat was stopped, a significant number of subjects regained weight-up to 35% of the weight they had lost. It is not suitable to use for people under 18 years.

The most common side effects that may occur while taken Orlistat are: oily spotting on underwear or on clothing, oily or fatty stools, stomach pain, irregular menstrual periods, loose stools, difficulty controlling bowel movements, pain or discomfort in the rectum, headache and anxiety. Other serious side effects are: itching, hives, rash, difficulty breathing or swallowing, severe or continuous stomach pain, excessive tiredness or weakness, excessive tiredness or weakness, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, light-colored stools and dark-colored urine. In this case users should consult the physician.