|
|
What is Xenical? |
| | | | |
Drug Uses
Xenical is a weight management medication. It inhibits the absorption of a certain amount of fat obtained through food. It is usually administered to people with obesity problems, or to those who don’t fall within specific weight and height standards. Xenical is used in combination with a decreased-calorie diet and other weight maintenance methods to treat people with weight-related risk factors (such as diabetes and high cholesterol, blood pressure or triglycerides).
How to Take Xenical
Xenical may be taken with water, within an hour following a meal which contains not more than 30% of calories from fat. The usual dose for adults is three tablets a day, as long as the meal which goes along with the intake contains the specified amount of calories from fat. You may also be provided with a multivitamin and mineral prescription during treatment. Xenical can slow down the absorption of certain fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, and K. Follow your doctor’s instructions regarding which types of supplements to use. Take these supplements two hours prior to or after you take Xenical.
Drug Precautions
If you miss a meal, or if you take any meal which contains no fat, skip your dose of Xenical for the same meal. Do not administer the OTC form of Xenical to any child who is under eighteen years of age. The prescribed form should be used by children aged twelve to eighteen under medical supervision. Do not administer it to any person even if you share similar conditions, especially if that individual has a record of eating disorders. Do not take Xenical if you have gallbladder disorders or chronic malabsorption syndrome.
Drug Interactions
Medications like cyclosporine, digoxin, and anticoagulants (blood thinners like warfarin) can interfere with the efficacy of Xenical. If you are taking these drugs, your intake of Xenical may be discouraged, you may take it with a regulated dose, or you may need to undergo evaluative tests while under treatment. You may also be taking other medications which interact with Xenical; this involves all prescription and OTC drugs, and dietary or herbal supplementation.
Side Effects
Certain side effects are a natural result of treatment with Xenical; they are an assurance that the fat-blocking action is making its full effect. These include oily blots in your underwear, or oily stools; an increased frequency of bowel movements; an orange-colored or brown-colored oil on the stool; loose stool, or loose bowel movements; gas with an oily discharge; and stomachache, diarrhea, rectal pain, queasiness, and vomiting.
Missed Dose
Administer the missed dose if it is remembered within the hour of the scheduled intake. Otherwise, leave out the dose and take the next one on schedule. If you skip any meal, or if take a meal without any fat content, skip your dose of Xenical for that meal.
Overdose
Seek medical assistance if you suspect an overdose. The indications for such are presently unknown.
Storage
Store Xenical at normal room temperatures, away from moisture. Dispose of expired medication immediately.
| | | |
| |
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
