Xenical is a 120-mg capsule and should be taken three times a day with each main meal containing fat. The recommendation is that the medicine should be taken during or up to 1 hour after the meal. If you should miss a dose just continue on with the next meal and next dose.

The patient should be on a nutritionally balanced, reduced-calorie diet that contains approximately 30 percent of calories from fat and the daily intake of fat, carbohydrate, and protein should be distributed over three main meals. It is important to ensure that the patient is spreading out the effects of the medication and if a meal is occasionally missed or contains no fat, the dose of Xenical can be omitted. However, if you miss a does with a meal, do not “double up” on the dose continue with the routine and go on to the next meal and the next dose.

Xenical has been shown to reduce the absorption of some fat-soluble vitamins and beta-carotene; when on the medication patients should take multivitamin containing fat-soluble vitamins to ensure adequate nutrition. This supplement should be taken at least two hours before or after taking Xenical.

Doses above 120 mg three times a day have not been shown to provide additional benefit so taking more than the prescribed amount is not advisable. Fecal fat measurements indicate that the effect of Xenical is seen as soon as 24 to 48 hours after dosing. When the medication is discontinued, fecal fat content usually returns to pretreatment levels within 48 to 72 hours.

The safety and effectiveness of Xenical beyond two years has yet not been determined.

In common with most drugs, Xenical has certain side effects For instance, Xenical should not be taken if you are pregnant, nursing, have food absorption problems or reduced bile flow. It is unknown what sort effects Xenical might have on an unborn child and for those with food absorption issues because your body is probably already not getting the proper nutrients.

If you are taking cyclosporine, consult your doctor before taking Xenical. The two medication need to be taken at least two hours apart.

Xenical reduces the absorption of vitamins, therefore, a daily multivitamin is recommended.