Digestive System
Medications
Related eMedTV
Health Channels

Tegaserod

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. The medicine comes in tablet form and is usually taken twice a day before meals.

What Is Tegaserod?

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 US 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.
 

Side Effects

As with any medicine, there are possible side effects with tegaserod. However, not everyone who takes the medicine will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it well.
 
When side effects do occur, they are often minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
 
The most common side effects of tegaserod include:
 
(Click Side Effects of Tegaserod to learn about the specific side effects of this medication, including serious side effects to look out for.)
 
You can also read about other possible side effects by clicking on the following eMedTV links:
 
 

Add
Email
Print
(Tegaserod Continued: Page 2)
List of references (click here)
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;
Other Articles in This eMedTV Presentation
Referring Pages Articles Health Topics Drugs & Supplements