Tegaserod

Tegaserod is a prescription medication used in the short-term treatment of irritable bowel syndrome in women whose main symptom is constipation. It is also used to treat a condition called chronic idiopathic constipation. Tegaserod belongs to a group of drugs called serotonin agonists. These work by improving muscle movement and increasing production of fluid in the bowels.

This medication comes as an oral (by mouth) tablet and is usually taken 2 times a day on an empty stomach. 

Common side effects of tegaserod include diarrhea, nausea, stomach pain, headache.

Tegaserod can also cause dizziness. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery until you know how tegaserod affects you.

Tegaserod is a prescription medication used in the short-term treatment of irritable bowel syndrome in women whose primary symptom is constipation. Irritable bowel syndrome is a condition that causes stomach pain, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea.

It is also used to treat a condition called chronic idiopathic constipation in people who are less than 65 years old. Chronic idiopathic constipation is constipation of unknown cause that cannot be attributed to any diseases or medication.

This medication may be prescribed for other uses. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Tegaserod may be found in some form under the following brand names:

• Zelnorm

Serious side effects have been reported with tegaserod. See the "Tegaserod Precautions" section.

Common side effects of tegaserod include the following:

• stomach pain
• diarrhea
• nausea
• gas
• headache
• dizziness
• vomiting
• back pain

This is not a complete list of tegaserod side effects. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Tell your doctor if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

In 2007, tegaserod was removed from the U.S. market and was made available only through a restricted distribution program from the manufacturer. Beginning in April 2008, tegaserod will no longer be available through the restricted distribution program; therefore, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has decided to make tegaserod available to physicians for patients in emergency situations that are life-threatening or require hospitalization. If your doctor believes that you should receive tegaserod, he or she may contact the FDA for more information. If you are receiving tegaserod through the restricted distribution program, you should talk to your doctor about switching to another treatment.