Xenical Dosage

Everyone takes the same Xenical dosage, regardless of weight, age, or if other medical conditions are present. What's important is to take the drug as directed by your healthcare provider. For example, you will probably be advised to take your Xenical dosage with each fat-containing meal (up to three times daily) and to skip a dose if you eat a meal that doesn't contain any fat.

 

Xenical Dosage: An Introduction

There is only one standard dose of Xenical® (orlistat), regardless of your age, weight, or other medical conditions. As is always the case, do not adjust your Xenical dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
 

Xenical Dosage for Weight Loss

The recommended dose of Xenical for weight loss or weight maintenance in adults and children age 12 and older is Xenical 120 mg (one capsule) with each meal that contains fat, up to three times daily. It is best if you take Xenical 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 it less effective). If you skip a meal, or if you eat a meal without fat, you should also skip your Xenical dose. The medication is not meant to be used alone; it should always be used with an appropriate diet plan.
 
Xenical can decrease the absorption of certain vitamins from the diet. It is recommended that you take a multivitamin once a day, at least two hours before or after Xenical. Often, bedtime is a good time for many people taking Xenical to take their multivitamin.
 

General Information on Dosing With Xenical

Considerations for people taking Xenical include the following:
 
  • The medication comes in capsule form. It is taken by mouth with each fat-containing meal, up to three times per day.
     
  • Xenical should be combined with a reduced-calorie, low-fat diet. Eating too much fat increases the risk of Xenical side effects. In general, you should try to limit your fat intake to less than 30 percent of your total daily calories.
     
  • If you miss a meal, or if you have a meal without any fat, you should skip that dose of Xenical.
     
  • For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as directed by your healthcare provider.
     
  • If you are unsure about anything related to your Xenical dosage, please talk to your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.
     
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;