Adiponil Capsule

Adiponil Capsule — Composition & Pharmacology

Generic Name: Orlistat 120mg
Manufacturer: Beximco Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
Drug Class: Pancreatic Lipase Inhibitor / Anti-obesity Agent
Dosage Form: Oral Capsule

Orlistat is a reversible inhibitor of gastrointestinal lipases (gastric and pancreatic). By inhibiting these enzymes, Orlistat prevents approximately one-third of dietary fat from being absorbed in the intestine. The undigested fat is excreted in the stool, thereby reducing caloric intake and promoting weight loss. It has no systemic pharmacological effect and acts entirely within the GI tract.

Indications

Adiponil Capsule (Orlistat) is indicated as an adjunct to a reduced-calorie diet for:

• Obesity Management: In adults with a BMI ≥30 kg/m², or ≥28 kg/m² in the presence of risk factors such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, or dyslipidaemia
• Weight Maintenance: Preventing weight regain after prior weight loss
• Type 2 Diabetes with Obesity: Particularly relevant in diabetic patients to achieve weight-related glycaemic improvement

Dosage & Administration

Standard Dose: One 120mg capsule three times daily, taken immediately before, during, or up to one hour after each main meal containing fat. If a meal is missed or contains no fat, the dose may be omitted.

Duration: As prescribed by the physician. Long-term use (up to 4 years) has been studied clinically.

Diet: Must be combined with a nutritionally balanced, mildly hypocaloric diet. Fat intake should be distributed evenly across meals (no more than 30% of daily calories from fat).

Contraindications & Precautions

• Contraindicated in chronic malabsorption syndrome or cholestasis
• Contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to Orlistat or any excipient
• Not recommended in pregnancy or breastfeeding
• Patients on cyclosporine, warfarin, antiepileptics, or levothyroxine require careful monitoring — timing of doses may need adjustment
• Fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) and beta-carotene absorption may be reduced — consider multivitamin supplementation
• Diabetic patients may experience improved glycaemic control — antidiabetic medication adjustment may be needed

Side Effects

Side effects are primarily GI in nature and are related to the mechanism of action (unabsorbed fat in the GI tract):

• Oily or fatty stools, oily spotting, flatus with discharge
• Increased frequency of bowel movements, faecal urgency
• Oily evacuation, faecal incontinence (especially if high-fat meals consumed)

These effects diminish over time and with adherence to a low-fat diet. Rare: liver injury (post-marketing reports).

Drug Interactions

Cyclosporine absorption reduced (separate by 3 hours). Warfarin INR may increase. Antiepileptic drug levels may fall. Levothyroxine absorption may be reduced (separate by 4 hours). Amiodarone exposure may be reduced.

Storage

Store below 25°C, in a dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep out of reach of children.

Medical Disclaimer: This information is for reference purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Orlistat should be used under physician supervision as part of a comprehensive weight management programme. Always consult a qualified physician before use. Diabetesstore.com.bd strongly recommends obtaining a valid prescription for this medication.