Tegaserod Treatment For IBS
Tegaserod treatment was originally designed for the treatment of constipation predominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
It is a 5-HT4 (serotonin) receptor agonist that stimulates your colon to contract and also reduces the abdominal pain or colic in IBS.
Its use was mainly for refractory constipation in those who had not responded to conventional therapies such as laxatives and lifestyle changes.
This drug is also known as Zelnorm.
Select A Topic:
- Indications - what is it used for?
- Cautions - significant caution with this drug
- Side Effects - the side effects some sufferers may experience
- Adult Dose - the dose prescribed by doctors
- My View of Tegaserod - my thoughts on this medication
- References - further reading
Indications
The drug is for short term management of women with IBS-C who have failed conventional treatment (1).
WITHDRAWN from women and patients under 65 years of age as possible increase risk of increased cardiovascular events (heart attacks and strokes). A large study of 18,000 people showed adverse cardiovascular event in 13 of 11,614 people.
Cautions
Withdrawn due to potential cardiovascular events.
Cautions - you should always discuss with your doctor before taking:
- In Severe Liver Disease
- In Kidney Disease
- Abdominal Adhesions
- Blockage of the bowel
- Gallbladder problems
- Diarrhea
- In pregnancy and breastfeeding
- When taking other medications
- Previous sensitivity to drugs
- Have blood pressure problems
Side Effects
The main side effects are headache, abdominal pain, diarrhea, ischaemic colitis and cardiovascular events as outlined.
Allergy to the medication
Adult Dose
The dose is 6 mg tablet twice a day for 4 to 6 weeks.
Zelnorm in Irritable Bowel Syndrome has been used, but withdrawn on safety grounds at present.
A newer drug known a Prucalopride has since superseded it.
My View of Tegaserod Treatment
This is not a drug I have any experience of so cannot pass comment other than to say it is not available in the UK.
I would be very interested in others thoughts on this drug and look forward to your reviews.
References
1) Tegaserod for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome and chronic constipation. Evans BW et al, Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2007(4):CD003960.
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