ImportantThis page is general information, not a prescription. Don't start, stop, or change a medicine without talking to your provider or pharmacist.
Overview
Eating high-fat meals causes oily stools and urgency.
What it's used for
- Weight loss with a reduced-calorie, low-fat diet
How to take it
- Take it with each meal containing fat (or up to 1 hour after).
- Take a daily multivitamin at bedtime, at least 2 hours apart.
Your dose depends on your health and other medicines. Always follow your prescription label, and ask your pharmacist if anything is unclear.
Side effects
Common side effects
- Oily spotting
- Gas with discharge
- Urgent or more frequent bowel movements
Call your provider todayYellow skin or eyes or dark urine
Call your provider todaySevere belly pain or kidney stone pain
Warnings
- It lowers absorption of vitamins A, D, E, and K.
Other medicines, foods, and alcohol
- Separate levothyroxine by 4 hours.
- It can lower cyclosporine and some seizure medicine levels.
- Warfarin effect can change.
Tell your provider and pharmacist about every medicine, vitamin, and supplement you take.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Not used in pregnancy.
Missed doses, overdose, and storage
If you miss a dose
Take it as soon as you remember, unless it's almost time for your next dose. Then skip the missed dose. Don't take two doses at once.
If someone takes too much
Call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 or get help online at poison.org. Call 911 if the person collapses, has a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be woken.
Storing it
Store at room temperature, away from heat and moisture (not in the bathroom), and out of reach of children and pets.
Conditions it's used for
Sources
- DailyMed: FDA drug label for Orlistat (U.S. National Library of Medicine)
- MedlinePlus: Drugs, herbs, and supplements
- FDA: Drugs@FDA
Last updated 2026-11-13.