Orlistat Dosing: An Introduction
There is only one standard dose of
orlistat (
Alli™,
Xenical®), regardless of your age, weight, or other medical conditions. However, the dose will differ, depending on whether you are taking the non-prescription or prescription version. As is always the case, do not adjust your orlistat dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
Prescription Orlistat Dosing for Weight Loss
The recommended dose of prescription orlistat (Xenical) for weight loss or weight maintenance in adults and children age 12 and older is orlistat 120 mg, taken with each meal that contains fat, up to three times daily. It is best if you take orlistat with the meal, but you can take it up to an hour after the meal, if necessary (taking it later than one hour after the meal will make the drug less effective). If you skip a meal, or if you eat a meal without fat, you should also skip your orlistat dose. The drug is not meant to be used alone; it should always be used with an appropriate diet plan.
Non-Prescription Orlistat Dosing for Weight Loss
The recommended dose of non-prescription orlistat (Alli) for weight loss or weight maintenance in adults is orlistat 60 mg, taken with each meal that contains fat, up to three times daily. The medication is not approved for use in children. As with the prescription version, it is best if you take orlistat with the meal, but you can take it up to an hour after the meal, if necessary (taking it later than this will make the drug less effective). If you skip a meal, or if you eat a meal without fat, you should also skip your orlistat dose. The drug is not meant to be used alone and should always be used with an appropriate diet plan.
