Tegaserod

Tegaserod is a prescription medicine used in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome and constipation. It increases the release of certain chemical that improves the movement of food inside the intestine and helps to increase gastric emptying of both liquid and solid. Tegaserod may be taken empty stomach in a dose and duration as advised by the doctor. The dose you are given will depend on your condition and how you respond to the medicine. You should keep taking this medicine for as long as your doctor recommends. If you stop treatment too early your symptoms may come back and your condition may worsen. Let your doctor know about all other medications you are taking as some may affect, or be affected by this medicine. The most common side effects are headache, abdominal pain, flatulence, and nausea. These are temporary and usually resolve with time. Contact your doctor straight away if you are at all concerned about any of these side effects. This medicine may cause diarrhea, so it is better to take plenty of fluids while taking this medicine as it may help to prevent dehydration. It may also cause dizziness and sleepiness, so do not drive or do anything that requires mental focus until you know how this medicine affects you. Before taking it, you should tell your doctor if you have any kidney or liver diseases so that your doctor can prescribe a suitable dose for you. You should avoid this medicine if you are suffering from bleeding ulcers of the stomach. This medicine is not recommended in breastfeeding women. Tegaserod indirectly stimulates the release of acetylcholine, a chemical messenger that can increase the motility of the intestine.

• Irritable bowel syndrome • Constipation

Tegaserod is a 5-HT4 receptor partial agonist that binds with high affinity at human 5-HT4 receptors, whereas it has no appreciable affinity for 5-HT3 or dopamine receptors. It has moderate affinity for 5-HT1 receptors. Tegaserod, by acting as an agonist at neuronal 5-HT4 receptors, triggers the release of further neurotransmitters such as calcitonin gene-related peptide from sensory neurons. The activation of 5-HT4 receptors in the gastrointestinal tract stimulates the peristaltic reflex and intestinal secretion, as well as inhibits visceral sensitivity.

Adult Dose: Oral Chronic idiopathic constipation, Constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome Adult: 6 mg taken bid for 4-6 wk continued for another 4-6 wk in responsive patients. Hepatic impairment: Moderate to severe impairment: Not recommended. Renal Dose: Renal impairment: Severe impairment: Not recommended.

Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Tegaserod is to be taken empty stomach.

If you miss a dose of Tegaserod, skip it and continue with your normal schedule. Do not double the dose.

Common: • Diarrhea • Flatulence • Headache • Nausea • Dizziness

[UNSAFE] Tegaserod may decrease alertness, affect your vision or make you feel sleepy and dizzy. Do not drive if these symptoms occur.

Severe renal or moderate to severe hepatic impairment; history of bowel obstruction or symptomatic gallbladder disease; suspected sphincter of Oddi dysfunction or abdominal adhesions; known hypersensitivity. Patients currently experiencing or who frequently experience diarrhoea. Lactation.

[CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR] It is not known whether it is safe to consume alcohol with Tegaserod. Please consult your doctor.

[SAFE IF PRESCRIBED] Tegaserod is generally considered safe to use during pregnancy. Animal studies have shown low or no adverse effects to the developing baby; however, there are limited human studies.

[CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR] Information regarding the use of Tegaserod during breastfeeding is not available. Please consult your doctor.

[CAUTION] Tegaserod should be used with caution in patients with kidney disease. Dose adjustment of Tegaserod may be needed. Please consult your doctor. Use of Tegaserod is not recommended in patients with severe kidney disease. [CAUTION] Tegaserod should be used with caution in patients with liver disease. Dose adjustment of Tegaserod may be needed. Please consult your doctor. Use of Tegaserod is not recommended in patients with severe liver disease.