Lipase Inhibitors
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Overview
Medications that inhibit gastric and pancreatic lipases in the gastrointestinal tract, preventing the digestion and absorption of approximately 30% of dietary fat. The undigested fat is excreted in feces, reducing caloric intake and promoting weight loss.
How do lipase inhibitors work?
Bind to and inhibit gastric and pancreatic lipases in the GI tract, preventing hydrolysis of dietary triglycerides into absorbable free fatty acids and monoglycerides. Approximately 30% of ingested fat is excreted unabsorbed.
Drugs in this class
- Orlistat (Xenical, Alli)