Tegaserod is a prescription drug licensed to treat chronic idiopathic constipation and irritable bowel syndrome with constipation. The medicine works by stimulating certain serotonin receptors in the digestive tract. This helps the muscles of the digestive tract move food through more quickly and makes the nerves in the digestive tract less sensitive. Tegaserod comes in a tablet form that is usually taken twice a day before meals. The drug is available in two strengths: 2 mg and 6 mg. There is currently no generic tegaserod licensed for sale.
Tegaserod maleate (Zelnorm®) is a prescription medicine that has been licensed for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) with constipation, as well as constipation that has lasted longer than six months with no apparent cause.
In March 2007, Zelnorm was taken off the market in the United States because it was shown to increase the risk for a heart attack, angina, or stroke. In July 2007, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that Zelnorm will be available to people who meet certain criteria through a special program called a "treatment IND" (see Zelnorm Recall for more information). However, as of April 2, 2008, Zelnorm is no longer available under the treatment IND program, although it may still be available in certain emergency situations.
Who Makes Tegaserod?
Tegaserod is manufactured by Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation.
Tegaserod Uses
Specific uses of tegaserod include:
Short-term treatment of IBS with constipation in women.
Treatment of chronic idiopathic constipation in people less than 65 years of age. Chronic constipation is constipation lasting at least six months. Idiopathic constipation means constipation not due to other diseases or drugs.
Tegaserod is not meant to treat people with IBS who have diarrhea as the main symptom.
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