12
Anti-obesity Pharmacotherapy
Anti-obesity Medication Summary
Agent/Dose Description
Main Side Effects/
Adverse Reactions
Orlistat
(Alli
®
, Xenical
®
)
Capsule to be
taken with meals
60–120 mg PO TID
• Gastrointestinal
lipase inhibitor that
impairs digestion
of dietary fat. Lower
doses are approved
over-thecounter.
• Average reported
weight loss of 5%.
Oily stools and flatus,
especially after fatty
foods. Can promote
gallstones and
kidney stones and
malabsorption of fat-
soluble vitamins (A, D, E,
K). A multivitamin daily
is recommended.
Rare cases of severe
liver injury and
pancreatitis have been
reported
(cont'd)
