tegaserod Health Article

Generic name(s):

tegaserod

Brand name(s):

Zelnorm

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Tegaserod was withdrawn from the U.S. market on March 30, 2007.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 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Tegaserod was withdrawn from the U.S. market on March 30, 2007.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 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.