There have been no reports of human overdosage with Zelnorm^® (tegaserod maleate). Single oral doses of 120 mg of tegaserod were administered to 3 healthy volunteers in one study. All 3 subjects developed diarrhea and headache. Two of these subjects also reported intermittent abdominal pain, and 1 developed orthostatic hypotension. In 28 healthy subjects exposed to doses of tegaserod of 90 to 180 mg/d for several days, adverse events were diarrhea (100%), headache (57%), abdominal pain (18%), flatulence (18%), nausea (7%) and vomiting (7%).

Based on the large distribution volume and high protein binding of tegaserod it is unlikely that tegaserod could be removed by dialysis. In cases of overdosage treat symptomatically and institute supportive measures as appropriate.

Zelnorm^® (tegaserod maleate) is contraindicated in those patients with:

• severe renal impairment

• moderate or severe hepatic impairment

• a history of bowel obstruction, symptomatic gallbladder disease, suspected sphincter of Oddi dysfunction, or abdominal adhesions

• a known hypersensitivity to the drug or any of its excipients

Last reviewed on RxList: 12/27/2004
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.