Xenical Dosage
OVERDOSAGE
Single doses of 800 mg
Xenical and multiple doses of up to 400 mg three times a day for 15 days have been studied in normal weight and obese subjects without significant adverse findings.
Should a significant overdose of
Xenical occur, it is recommended that the patient be observed for 24 hours. Based on human and animal studies, systemic effects attributable to the lipase-inhibiting properties of
orlistat should be rapidly reversible.
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION
The recommended dose of
Xenical is one 120-mg capsule three times a day with each main meal containing fat (during or up to 1 hour after the meal).
The patient should be on a nutritionally balanced, reduced-calorie diet that contains approximately 30% of calories from fat. The daily intake of fat, carbohydrate, and protein should be distributed over three main meals. If a meal is occasionally missed or contains no fat, the dose of
Xenical can be omitted.
Because
Xenical has been shown to reduce the absorption of some fat-soluble vitamins and beta-carotene, patients should be counseled to take a multivitamin containing fat-soluble vitamins to ensure adequate nutrition (see PRECAUTIONS: General). The supplement should be taken at least 2 hours before or after the administration of
Xenical, such as at bedtime.
For patients receiving both
orlistat and levothyroxine therapy, administer levothyroxine and
orlistat at least 4 hours apart.
Doses above 120 mg three times a day have not been shown to provide additional benefit.
Based on fecal fat measurements, the effect of
Xenical is seen as soon as 24 to 48 hours after dosing. Upon discontinuation of therapy, fecal fat content usually returns to pretreatment levels within 48 to 72 hours.
The safety and effectiveness of
Xenical beyond 4 years have not been determined at this time.