Generic Name: tegaserod (te GAS e rod)
Brand Names: Zelnorm
What is tegaserod?
Tegaserod was withdrawn from the U.S. market on March 30, 2007. This medication may still be used in limited emergency situations.
Tegaserod increases the action of a chemical called serotonin in the intestines. This speeds the movement of stools through the bowels.
Tegaserod is used to treat severe, chronic, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in women who have constipation (and not diarrhea) as their main bowel problem.
Tegaserod is also used to treat chronic constipation in patients younger than 55 years old.
Tegaserod may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about tegaserod?
Tegaserod was withdrawn from the U.S. market on March 30, 2007. This medication may still be used in limited emergency situations.
Tegaserod is not for use in people with diarrhea as the main symptom of their irritable bowel condition.
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to tegaserod, or if you have a history of stroke or heart attack, high blood pressure, uncontrolled angina, high cholesterol or triglycerides, diabetes, depression, or anxiety.
You also should not use tegaserod if you smoke, if you are older than 55 years, if you are overweight, or if you have a history of suicidal thoughts or actions.
Before taking tegaserod, tell your doctor if you have gallbladder problems, a blockage in your intestines, other stomach or intestinal disorders, kidney disease, or liver disease.
Tegaserod has not been shown to be helpful for men with irritable bowel syndrome. Stop taking tegaserod and call your doctor at once if you have new or worsening stomach pain, blood in your stools, ongoing diarrhea, severe stomach pain or cramps, or feel like you might pass out.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking tegaserod?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to tegaserod, or if you have:
a history of stroke or heart attack;
untreated or uncontrolled angina (chest pain);
high blood pressure;
high cholesterol or triglycerides;
diabetes;
depression or anxiety;
if you smoke;
if you are older than 55 years;
if you are overweight; or
if you have a history of suicidal thoughts or actions.
Before taking tegaserod, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:
diarrhea or if diarrhea is your main symptom of IBS;
gallbladder problems;
a blockage in your intestines;
any other stomach or intestinal disorders;
kidney disease; or
- liver disease.
If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use tegaserod.
FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether tegaserod passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Tegaserod has not been shown to be helpful for men with irritable bowel syndrome.
How should I take tegaserod?
Take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Take this medication with a full glass of water. Take tegaserod on an empty stomach.
Tegaserod is usually taken twice daily. Follow your doctor's instructions.
It may take up to 2 weeks of using this medicine before your symptoms improve. For best results, keep using the medication as directed. Talk with your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 4 to 6 weeks of treatment.
Tegaserod is not a cure for irritable bowel syndrome. If you stop taking tegaserod, your symptoms may return within 1 or 2 weeks.
Store tegaserod at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
See also: Zelnorm dosage (in more detail)
What happens if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose or forget to take your medicine, wait until it is time for your next dose and skip the missed dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.
Overdose symptoms may include diarrhea, stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting.
What should I avoid while taking tegaserod?
Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity while you are using tegaserod.
Tegaserod side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop taking tegaserod and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:
new or worsening stomach pain;
blood in your stools;
ongoing diarrhea;
severe stomach pain or cramps; or
feeling like you might pass out.
Less serious side effects may include:
headache, dizziness or migraine;
back pain or joint pain; or
mild stomach pain, nausea or gas.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect.
What other drugs will affect tegaserod?
Other drugs may interact with tegaserod. Talk your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products.
More Zelnorm resources
- Zelnorm Side Effects (in more detail)
- Zelnorm Dosage
- Zelnorm Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
- Drug Images
- Zelnorm Drug Interactions
- Zelnorm Support Group
- 20 Reviews for Zelnorm - Add your own review/rating
- Zelnorm Prescribing Information (FDA)
- Zelnorm Monograph (AHFS DI)
- Zelnorm Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information
- Zelnorm MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)
- Zelnorm Consumer Overview
Compare Zelnorm with other medications
- Constipation, Chronic
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Where can I get more information?
- Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about tegaserod.
See also: Zelnorm side effects (in more detail)
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