Tegaserod Tablet: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Precautions and Alternates

Quick overview

Tegaserod Tablet (generic name: tegaserod maleate) is a prescription serotonin receptor agonist used for the short-term treatment of women with irritable bowel syndrome whose main bowel problem is constipation. It is also used to treat chronic idiopathic constipation in adults under 65 years of age. It works by acting on 5-HT4 receptors in the gut to promote normal bowel movement and ease related symptoms.

What is Tegaserod Tablet

Zelnorm is a prescription medicine used for short-term treatment of women with irritable bowel syndrome whose main bowel problem is constipation. It is also used to treat chronic idiopathic constipation in adults under 65.

Tegaserod Tablet uses

• Short-term treatment of women with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) whose primary bowel symptom is constipation
• Treatment of patients less than 65 years of age with chronic idiopathic constipation

Benefits of Tegaserod Tablet

• Reduces abdominal pain and discomfort in those who respond
• Reduces bloating
• Increases the frequency of bowel movements
• Improves stool consistency and reduces straining

How Tegaserod Tablet works

Zelnorm works by acting on serotonin receptors (called 5-HT4 receptors) in the gut. This stimulates normal gut muscle movement and fluid release in the intestines, helping to soften stool and promote regular bowel movements while also reducing pain sensitivity in the gut.

Tegaserod Tablet dosage

Take on an empty stomach shortly before you eat a meal, or as your doctor prescribes. Take twice a day. If you miss a dose, skip it; do not take two tablets at once to make up for a missed dose, just take your normal dose at the next scheduled time.

For IBS with constipation, treatment is usually given for 4 to 6 weeks, and may be extended for another 4 to 6 weeks if it is helping. For chronic idiopathic constipation, talk to your doctor regularly about whether you still need to keep taking it.

Available forms and strengths

• Tablet

Side effects of Tegaserod Tablet

Common

• Headache
• Stomach (abdominal) pain
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Passing gas (flatulence)
• Indigestion
• Dizziness
• Back pain

Serious

• Severe diarrhea with dehydration, low blood pressure, or fainting
• Intestinal swelling and injury (ischemic colitis) with rectal bleeding, bloody diarrhea, or new/worsening stomach pain
• Heart attack symptoms: chest pain, shortness of breath, arm or shoulder pain, jaw/neck/back pain, lightheadedness
• Stroke symptoms: sudden numbness, weakness, confusion, vision loss, trouble speaking or walking
• Suicidal thoughts and behavior
• Gallbladder problems requiring surgery

Warnings and precautions

• Zelnorm should not be started in patients who currently have diarrhea or who have it often.
• Zelnorm can cause serious problems from diarrhea, such as low fluid levels in the body, low blood pressure, and fainting, sometimes needing hospital treatment. Stop the medicine right away if this happens.
• Zelnorm can cause intestinal swelling and injury (ischemic colitis), which can show up as rectal bleeding, bloody diarrhea, or new or worsening stomach pain. Treatment should not be restarted if this happens.
• Zelnorm should not be used by people with a history of bowel blockage, gallbladder disease with symptoms, suspected sphincter of Oddi problems, or abdominal adhesions.
• Zelnorm may increase the risk of heart attack and stroke, especially in people with risk factors like smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, or age 55 and older.
• Zelnorm may raise the risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior, especially in people also taking antidepressants or with a history of suicidal thoughts.
• Zelnorm is not recommended during pregnancy. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
• Do not breastfeed while taking Zelnorm, since the drug is likely to pass into breast milk.
• Zelnorm is not recommended in patients with severe kidney impairment. No dose adjustment is needed for mild-to-moderate kidney impairment.
• Zelnorm is not recommended in patients with moderate or severe liver impairment. Caution is advised in patients with mild liver impairment.
• No major direct interaction with alcohol is established, but alcohol may worsen gastrointestinal symptoms.
• Zelnorm usually has little direct effect on driving, but dizziness or weakness can occur.

Storage

• Keep Zelnorm at room temperature.
• Do not use Zelnorm past the expiration date shown on the package.
• Store at 25°C (77°F); excursions permitted to 15°C-30°C (59°F-86°F). See USP Controlled Room Temperature. Protect from moisture.

When to see a doctor

• Stop taking Zelnorm and tell your doctor right away if you get new or worse stomach pain, or notice blood in your stools.
• Stop taking Zelnorm and call your doctor right away if diarrhea makes you feel lightheaded, dizzy, or like you might faint.
• Tell your doctor if you have severe diarrhea, or diarrhea along with bad cramping, abdominal pain, or dizziness.
• Get emergency help right away if you have symptoms of a heart attack, such as chest pain, shoulder or arm pain, or shortness of breath, or symptoms of a stroke, such as sudden numbness, trouble speaking, or trouble walking.
• Contact your provider right away if you or your family notice worsening depression or suicidal thoughts and behavior while taking this medicine.

Alternatives

• Linaclotide
• Plecanatide
• Lubiprostone