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How to Administer Prolistat
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Written by Mitchell Cross
Updated over 2 months ago

How to Administer Prolistat (Orlistat)

Prolistat(Orlistat) is a weight-loss medication that works by preventing the absorption of dietary fat. To maximize its effectiveness and minimize side effects, follow this step-by-step guide carefully.


Confirm Your Prescription

  • Ensure Prolistat has been prescribed by a licensed healthcare provider.

  • Verify your prescribed dosage (typically 120 mg capsules).

  • Discuss any medical conditions or other medications with your doctor before starting.


Take the Correct Dosage

  • The standard dose is one 120 mg capsule, taken three times a day with meals containing fat. (no meal, no meds)

  • If you skip a meal or eat a meal with no fat, you do not need to take Prolistat for that meal.

  • Never take more than the prescribed dose, as it will not increase effectiveness and may cause side effects.


Timing Your Dose

  • Take one capsule during, or up to one hour after, a meal that contains fat.

  • If you forget to take it within an hour of eating, skip the dose and take your next scheduled one with your next meal.

  • Do not double up on doses to make up for a missed one.


Swallow the Capsule Properly

  • Swallow the Prolistat capsule whole with a full glass of water.

  • Do not crush, chew, or open the capsule.


Follow a Balanced, Low-Fat Diet

  • Prolistat works best with a reduced-calorie, low-fat diet (about 30% of daily calories from fat).

  • Avoid high-fat meals as they can increase side effects like oily stools and diarrhea.

  • Spread your daily fat intake evenly across meals to minimize side effects.


Stay Hydrated

  • Drink plenty of water throughout the day to support digestion and prevent dehydration.

  • Avoid alcohol, as it contains empty calories and may slow weight loss progress.


Take a Multivitamin Daily

  • Prolistat reduces the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K.

  • Take a multivitamin supplement once a day, preferably at bedtime, at least two hours after your last Prolistat dose.


Monitor for Side Effects

  • Common side effects include oily stools, increased bowel movements, gas, and stomach discomfort due to undigested fats.

  • If you experience severe diarrhea, stomach pain, or signs of liver problems (yellowing skin, dark urine), contact your doctor immediately.


Exercise for Better Results

  • Pair Prolistat with regular physical activity for the best weight loss outcomes.

  • Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week.


Discontinuing Prolistat

  • You can stop Prolistat at any time, but maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle is crucial to sustaining weight loss.

  • If you stop taking Prolistat, continue following a low-fat diet and exercise routine to prevent weight regain.

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