Zelnorm (Tegaserod Maleate) Patient Information: Side Effects and Drug Images at RxList

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May 27, 2012

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Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) »

What is irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is one of the most common ailments of the bowel (intestines) and affects an estimated 15% of people in the US. The term, irritable bowel, is not a particularly accurate one since it implies that the bowel is responding irritably to normal stimuli, and this may or may not be the case. The several terms used for IBS, including spastic colon, spastic colitis, and mucous colitis, attest to the difficulty of getting a descriptive handle on the ailment. Moreover, each of the other names is itself as problematic as the term IBS.

IBS is best described as a functional disease. The concept of functional disease is particularly useful when discussing diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. The concept applies to the muscular organs of the gastrointestinal tract; the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, gallbladder, and colon. What is meant by the term, functional, is that either th...

Read the Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) article »

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Zelnorm

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Please Note: This Brand Name drug is no longer available in the US.
(Generic versions may still be available.)

Zelnorm Patient Information Including Side Effects

Brand Names: Zelnorm

Generic Name: tegaserod (Pronunciation: te GAS e rod)

What is tegaserod (Zelnorm)?

Tegaserod was withdrawn from the U.S. market on March 30, 2007.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 are the possible side effects of tegaserod (Zelnorm)?

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.

What is the most important information I should know about tegaserod (Zelnorm)?

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.

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