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Tegaserod was withdrawn from the U.S. market on March 30, 2007.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.
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Precautions
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Instructions
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Side Effects
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Interactions
Precautions
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.
Follow your doctor’s instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity while you are using tegaserod.
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Instructions
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.
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.
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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.
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Interactions
Other drugs may interact with tegaserod. Talk your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products.
Other Names
Zelnorm and tegaserod
Available Strengths & Dosages
| Route |
Form |
Strength |
| oral |
tablet |
6 mg |
| oral |
tablet |
2 mg |
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Disclaimer
Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.
Copyright 1996-2004 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version 2.05. Revision date 8/23/04
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