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Constipation, polyuria, polydipsia, and edema associated with orlistat.
Kathleen A Packard1, Richard L Wurdeman, Antonio P Reyes
1Creighton Cardiac Center, Omaha, NE 68131-2044, USA. kelliot@cardiac.creighton.edu
The Annals of Pharmacotherapy
|June 28, 2002
Summary
Orlistat, a weight-loss medication, may cause unusual side effects like constipation, increased thirst, and frequent urination. Healthcare providers should be aware of these potential adverse events for prompt evaluation.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Clinical Medicine
- Adverse Drug Reactions
Background:
- Orlistat is a lipase inhibitor used for obesity management.
- Common side effects include gastrointestinal disturbances and, less frequently, pedal edema.
Observation:
- A case study involving a 42-year-old woman treated with orlistat.
- The patient presented with constipation, polyuria, polydipsia, and lower-leg edema.
- Symptoms resolved upon discontinuation and recurred upon rechallenge with orlistat.
Findings:
- This report documents a novel cluster of adverse effects associated with orlistat initiation and rechallenge.
- Constipation, polydipsia, and polyuria are not commonly reported with orlistat use.
- The temporal relationship suggests orlistat as a possible cause of these adverse events, per the Naranjo scale.
Implications:
- Healthcare providers should consider orlistat as a potential cause for these specific symptoms.
- Awareness of these adverse effects aids in timely diagnosis and management.
- This case expands the known adverse effect profile of orlistat.