Tegaserod (Zelnorm) tablets
What are tegaserod tablets?
TEGASEROD (Zelnorm®) is used to treat women who have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and who have constipation as their main bowel problem. IBS is a disorder of the intestines that causes constipation, diarrhea, or both. Gas, bloating and stomach pain may also be present. Tegaserod (Zelnorm) helps to relieve the symptoms of stomach pain, bloating and constipation; it is not a cure. Tegaserod (Zelnorm) may also be used for relief of chronic constipation in patients (men and women) less than 65 years of age. Your health care provider may use tegaserod for other conditions. Generic tegaserod tablets are not available.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
- diarrhea or often have diarrhea
- gallbladder disease
- heart disease or a history of a heart attack
- kidney disease
- liver disease, like cirrhosis
- rectal bleeding
- stomach or intestinal disease, including bowel obstruction or abdominal adhesions
- an unusual or allergic reaction to tegaserod, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
- pregnant or trying to get pregnant
- breast-feeding
How should I take this medicine?
Take tegaserod tablets by mouth shortly before you eat a meal. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take your doses at regular intervals. Tegaserod (Zelnorm) is not intended to be used only as needed. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose of tegaserod, just skip that dose. Wait until your next dose, and take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
What drug(s) may interact with tegaserod?
- medicines for bowel problems or bladder incontinence (these can cause constipation)
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What side effects may I notice from taking tegaserod?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health professional as soon as possible:
- sudden onset of chest pain
- diarrhea accompanied by severe stomach cramps with or without rectal bleeding, other stomach pain or dizziness
- new or worsening stomach pain
- worsening or prolonged diarrhea
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
- mild dizziness
- gas
- headache
- heartburn
- nausea or vomiting
What should I watch for while taking tegaserod?
Diarrhea is a common side effect of tegaserod that usually occurs in the first week of starting the medicine. Typically the diarrhea caused by tegaserod will last only a few days and will not recur. You should not start taking tegaserod if you already have diarrhea or have diarrhea most of the time. Severe or prolonged diarrhea can lead to dehydration, a lack of fluids within your body. If you experience severe cramping, stomach pain, lightheadedness, dizziness or fainting accompanied by diarrhea, notify your prescriber immediately.
If you get new or worsening stomach pain with or without blood in your stools, call your prescriber immediately.
Tegaserod (Zelnorm) may not work for all patients who take it. It may take several weeks for you notice any relief from your symptoms. If tegaserod is stopped, it is likely that that your symptoms will return within 1 - 2 weeks.
Your diet and stress levels may affect your course of therapy. If you eat something that seems to worsen your constipation or if you have significant levels of stress in your life, be sure to discuss this with your health care professional.
If you are going to have surgery, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking tegaserod.
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of small children in a container that small children cannot open.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degree F). Protect from heat and moisture. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
[ Last Revised: 8/24/2005 5:00:00 PM ]
NOTE: This information is not intended to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions, or adverse effects for this drug. If you have questions about the drug(s) you are taking, check with your health care professional.
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