Why it is Prescribed
Tegaserod is used to relieve pain, bloating, and constipation caused by irritable bowel syndrome (IBS; a condition that causes stomach pain, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea) in women whose main symptom is constipation. This medication is also used to increase the frequency of bowel movements and relieve bloating, straining, and stomach pain in women and men with chronic idiopathic constipation (constipation that is not due to other diseases or medications and that has been a problem for longer than 6 months). Tegaserod is in a class of medications called serotonin agonists. It works by improving muscle movement and increasing production of fluid in the bowels.
Important Warning
In some clinical studies, more people who took tegaserod had heart attacks, serious chest pain, or strokes ...
Keep reading...
Why it is Prescribed
Tegaserod is used to relieve pain, bloating, and constipation caused by irritable bowel syndrome (IBS; a condition that causes stomach pain, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea) in women whose main symptom is constipation. This medication is also used to increase the frequency of bowel movements and relieve bloating, straining, and stomach pain in women and men with chronic idiopathic constipation (constipation that is not due to other diseases or medications and that has been a problem for longer than 6 months). Tegaserod is in a class of medications called serotonin agonists. It works by improving muscle movement and increasing production of fluid in the bowels.
Important Warning
In some clinical studies, more people who took tegaserod had heart attacks, serious chest pain, or strokes than people who did not take tegaserod. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has decided that the benefits of taking tegaserod are not greater than the risk of experiencing a heart attack, chest pain, or a stroke for most people. However, for certain people, the benefits of taking tegaserod may be greater than these risks. In order to be sure that only people in this group take tegaserod, the FDA has decided to make tegaserod available in the United States through a special distribution program.
The special distribution program will allow people who meet certain requirements to receive tegaserod directly from the manufacturer after arrangements are made by their doctors. You may qualify for the program if you are a woman younger than 55 years old, you have irritable bowel syndrome or chronic idiopathic ...
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How it Works
Tegaserod comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken twice a day on an empty stomach shortly before a meal. Take tegaserod at around the same times every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take tegaserod exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
If you have IBS with constipation, your doctor will probably tell you to take tegaserod for 4 to 6 weeks. If your symptoms improve, your doctor may tell you to take tegaserod for another 4 to 6 weeks. If you have chronic idiopathic constipation, you should talk to your doctor regularly to see ...
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Other Uses
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Overdose
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
Symptoms of overdose may include:
diarrhea
headache
stomach pain
gas
upset stomach
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Precautions
Before taking tegaserod,
tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to tegaserod or any other medications.
tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, herbal products, or nutritional supplements you are taking. Your doctor may need to adjust the dose of your medications or monitor you more carefully for side effects.
tell your doctor if you have diarrhea now or if you often have diarrhea, and if you have or have ever had gallbladder, kidney, or liver disease; a blockage in your intestines or unexplained stomach pain; abdominal surgery (surgery on the area between your chest and hips); jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); sphincter of Oddi dysfunction (blockage of bile or ...
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Possible Side Effects
Tegaserod may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
headache
diarrhea
upset stomach
vomiting
gas
leg or back pain
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Special Dietary Concerns
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.
Storage Conditions
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
