How does Xenical work?

Xenical is a drug classified as gastrointestinal lipase inhibitors. It works for the purpose of maintaining weight loss by blocking the digestion of fat content in the user's diet. It works best when it is taken with a diet of reduced calories. It is also used as maintenance treatment for obesity associated with specific health risks, like high cholesterol, diabetes, and high blood pressure.

How to take Xenical

Xenical is commonly available in capsule form, and in 60mg and 120mg dosage strengths. It is orally ingested, and should be taken under a physician's prescription, or with observance of the product instructions on the label. The medication is ideally taken three times a day, each capsule taken up to an hour after each meal. If a meal is skipped or does not contain fat, the medication which supplements it should also be skipped. Additional dietary supplements may be needed in order to ensure proper nutrition; these include vitamin A, D, E, & K. These should be taken with at least a two-hour interval before or following an intake of Xenical.

Side Effects

Seek medical advice in the presence of the following common adverse effects: an urgency in bowel movement; frequent relieving or inability in controlling bowel movements; discharge which are oily, particularly in the stool; and oily spots on the underwear. Severe side effects may also be experienced as a consequence of intake, including an allergic reaction consisting of difficulty in breathing, rash, itching, tightness within the chest, hives, and swollen areas in the face, the mouth, lips and the tongue.

Precautions and Interactions

Patients who are planning on pregnancy or are already pregnant, or are currently breastfeeding, should notify their physician of their condition before taking on Xenical. The same advice applies for those who are taking other medications, whether prescription, herbal, or non-prescription, and diet supplements; those who are allergic to certain medications, food, and substances; and those who possess an underactive thyroid. Medications which can interact with the potency of Xenical include, but are not limited to, anticoagulants and cyclosporine.

Missed Dose

If a missed intake of Xenical is made, take it as long as a period of no more than an hour has passed following a meal. If the last meal has been taken for more than an hour, the missed intake should be skipped altogether, and the next one taken on the next meal. If a meal is skipped, the dose which is intended to supplement that meal should also be skipped.

Overdose

The current indications of an overdose of Xenical are unknown. If an overdose of the medication is suspected, seek immediate medical help.

Storage

Store Xenical in conditions within normal room temperatures, and away from direct sources of heat and moisture. The capsules should be kept in tightly-capped containers.