), an immunosuppressive drug frequently used to prevent transplant rejection; the two drugs should therefore not be administered concomitantly. Orlistat can also impair absorption of the antiarrhythmic amiodarone. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has suggested the possibility that orlistat could reduce the absorption of antiretroviral HIV medications. Mechanism of action
Orlistat works by inhibiting gastric and pancreatic lipases, the enzymes that break down triglycerides in the intestine. When lipase activity is blocked, triglycerides from the diet are not hydrolyzed into absorbable free fatty acids, and instead are excreted unchanged. Only trace amounts of orlistat are absorbed systemically; the primary effect is local lipase inhibition within the GI tract after an oral dose. The primary route of elimination is through the feces. Orlistat was also found to inhibit the thioesterase domain of fatty acid synthase (FAS), an enzyme involved in the proliferation of cancer cells but not normal cells. However, potential side effects of orlistat, such as inhibition of other cellular off-targets or poor bioavailability, might hamper its application as an effective antitumor agent. One profiling study undertook a chemical proteomics approach to look for new cellular targets of orlistat, including its off-targets. Orlistat also shows potential activity against the Trypanosoma brucei parasite.Orlistat prevents approximately 30% of dietary fat from being absorbed. Legal status
Orlistat is available both with and without a prescription. Australia and New Zealand
In Australia and New Zealand, orlistat is available as a "Pharmacist Only Medicine.
Peng-Yu Y, Kai L, Mun Hong N, JLear M, RWenk M, SQin Y (2010). "Activity-based proteome profiling of potential cellular targets of Orlistat−an FDA-approved drug with anti-tumor activities". Journal of the American Chemical Society. 132 (2): 656–66. doi:10.1021/ja907716f. PMID 20028024. Peng-Yu Y, Min W, Kai L, Mun Hong N, Omar S, JLear M, Siu Kwan S, Cynthia Y H, SQin Y (2012). "Parasite-based screening and proteome profiling reveal orlistat, an FDA-approved drug, as a potential anti Trypanosoma brucei agent". Chemistry: A European Journal. 18 (27): 8403–13. doi:10.1002/chem.201200482. PMID 22674877. External links
"Orlistat". Drug Information Portal. U.S. National Library of Medicine.