Tegazel

Indications

Tegaserod is used to treat irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C) in adult women under 65 years of age. It helps relieve constipation, abdominal pain, discomfort and bloating linked to this condition. It is not meant for men or for constipation from other causes unless a doctor advises it.

How It Works

Tegaserod stimulates serotonin type 4 (5-HT4) receptors in the wall of the gut. This increases the natural wave-like movement of the bowel, increases fluid secretion into the intestine and may reduce how sensitive the gut is to pain. Together these effects soften stools, make bowel movements more regular and ease discomfort.

Dosage and Administration

The usual adult dose is 6 mg twice a day by mouth, taken at least 30 minutes before a meal, or as prescribed by your doctor. If there is no improvement after 4 to 6 weeks, the doctor will review whether to continue.

Interactions

Few important interactions are known. Tell your doctor if you take other medicines that affect bowel movement, such as laxatives or opioid pain relievers, or medicines for heart disease, blood pressure or depression, so your overall risks can be checked.

Contraindications

• History of heart attack, stroke, transient ischaemic attack (mini stroke) or angina.
• History of ischaemic colitis or other reduced blood flow to the bowel.
• Severe kidney disease or moderate to severe liver disease.
• History of bowel obstruction, symptomatic gallbladder disease, suspected sphincter of Oddi problems or abdominal adhesions.
• Allergy to Tegaserod.

Side Effects

Common side effects include headache, abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhoea, wind (flatulence), indigestion and dizziness. Rarely, heart and blood vessel events (such as heart attack or stroke) and ischaemic colitis have been reported. Low mood and suicidal thoughts have also been reported rarely.

Stop taking it and get urgent medical help if you have chest pain, sudden weakness or numbness on one side, difficulty speaking, sudden severe abdominal pain, rectal bleeding or bloody diarrhoea, severe or persistent diarrhoea with dizziness or fainting, or thoughts of harming yourself.

Pregnancy and Lactation

There is limited information on use in pregnancy, so it should be used only if a doctor believes it is clearly needed. It is not known whether it passes into breast milk; discuss with your doctor before breastfeeding.

Precautions and Warnings

• Your doctor should check your heart and stroke risk before starting.
• Do not start it if you are already having diarrhoea, and stop it if diarrhoea becomes severe.
• Report any new or worsening depression or unusual changes in mood.
• Not recommended for women 65 years and older or for men.

Overdose

An overdose may cause diarrhoea, headache, abdominal pain, nausea, wind or a drop in blood pressure on standing. Seek medical help; treatment is supportive, with fluids if needed.

Therapeutic Class

Serotonin 5-HT4 receptor agonist; gut motility stimulant for IBS with constipation.

Storage

Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light, and out of the reach of children.