Weight Loss Drugs Flashcards
What is the formula to calculate BMI?
weight in kg / (height in m)^2
What is the down side of weight loss medications?
They are costly and weight gain is common as soon as drug is discontinued. (lifestyle changes required)
What is the mechanism of action of Orlistat?
Binds to and inhibits pancreatic lipase preventing the absorption of about 30% of dietary fat. Satiety inc.
How is Orlistat administered?
120 mg PO, TID pc (after meals). OTC version available at 60 mg. Short term option (< 1 year admin).
What are adverse effects of Orlistat?
GI distress, diarrhea, flatulence, steatorrhea, fecal urgency.
What supplement is often coadministered with Orlistat and why?
Vitamin A, D, E, and K supplement bc they are fat soluble vitamins –> orlistat blocks their absorption.
What is the mechanism of action of Phentermine?
Sympathomimetic that acts as an appetite suppressant. Similar to methamphetamine.
How is Phentermine administered?
For 12 weeks, qom (every other month)
What is an adverse effect of Phentermine?
HTN
What is the mechanism of action of Liraglutide?
GLP-1 agonist increases insulin secretion and delays gastric emptying promoting satiety.
How is Liraglutide administered?
Sc, qd
What is the risk of taking Liraglutide?
Increased risk of Thyroid C-cell tumors
What is the mechanism of action of Qsymia?
A combination of a sympathomimetic and an antiepileptic that is known to cause weight loss.
How is Qsymia administered?
qam (every morning) with complex dosing titration.
What are the adverse effects and warnings associated with Qsymia?
dizziness, insomnia, contraindicated in pregnancy.
What is the mechanism of action of Contrave?
Combination of an atypical antidepressant that blocks dopamine (reward NT) and a long acting narcotic receptor antagonist that causes weight loss. Combo of drugs synergistically blunt the reward mechanism in the brain.
Contrave is used cautiously in which patients and why?
Narcotic users: can precipitate withdrawal
Eating disorders: patients are hyponatremic and the narcotic antagonist decreases seizure threshold.
List 2 other drugs that are being researched as weight loss drugs.
zonisamide: antiepileptic
rimonabant: cannabanoid blocker (cannabanoids increase appetitie -munchies)
