Drug interactions
Orlistat + Vitamin a
Severity: Minor
Orlistat and Vitamin a: minor interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Orlistat reduces dietary fat absorption and therefore the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins including vitamin A. Long-term use can lower vitamin levels.
What this interaction means in plain words
Orlistat and Vitamin a have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Orlistat belongs to Miscellaneous; Vitamin a belongs to Gastrointestinal Tract.
Why it happens
Inhibition of gastrointestinal lipases reduces fat and fat-soluble vitamin absorption.
What to do
Take a vitamin A-containing multivitamin at least 2 hours before or after orlistat, such as at bedtime.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there anything I should notice while taking both?
- Do I need to tell my doctor at the next visit?
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Other interactions of Vitamin a
- Acitretin + Vitamin a Major
- Etretinate + Vitamin a Major
- Isotretinoin + Vitamin a Major
- Palovarotene + Vitamin a Major
- Bexarotene + Vitamin a Moderate
- Minocycline + Vitamin a Moderate
Other interactions of Orlistat
- Cyclosporine + Orlistat Major
- Cyclosporin + Orlistat Major
- Orlistat + Triheptanoin Major
- Amiodarone + Orlistat Moderate
- Beta carotene + Orlistat Moderate
- Carbamazepine + Orlistat Moderate
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Orlistat with Vitamin a?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Orlistat and Vitamin a have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Orlistat reduces dietary fat absorption and therefore the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins including vitamin A. Long-term use can lower vitamin levels.
How serious is the interaction between Orlistat and Vitamin a?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Take a vitamin A-containing multivitamin at least 2 hours before or after orlistat, such as at bedtime.
What other medicines interact with Vitamin a?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Vitamin a with, for example, Acitretin, Etretinate, Isotretinoin. The full list is on the Vitamin a page.
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