Tegaserod for the treatment of constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome.
Tegaserod, a potent, partial serotonin 4 receptor (5-HT4) agonist, is an effective agent for the treatment of females with constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome. Tegaserod enhances gastric motility, stimulates peristaltic reflux and intestinal secretion, inhibits visceral sensitivity, and/or shortens colonic transit time. This agent may help women who have failed to respond to diet and exercise, laxatives, and other forms of therapy. The optimal dose of tegaserod is 6 mg twice daily and results in decreased number of days per month with pain, bloating, and days without bowel movements. Tegaserod is less effective in males than females in the treatment of constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome. Tegaserod is well tolerated. Diarrhea is the most frequent adverse effect. The diarrhea tends to occur most frequently during the first few months of therapy and decreases with continued administration.
Drug Information Center, College of Pharmacy, Washington State University, Spokane, WA, USA.
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D017326:Clinical Trials, Phase III as Topic; D003109:Colonic Diseases, Functional / Q000188:drug therapy*; D003248:Constipation / Q000188:drug therapy*; D003967:Diarrhea / Q000139:chemically induced; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007211:Indoles / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D017366:Serotonin Receptor Agonists / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014481:United States
D007211:Indoles; D017366:Serotonin Receptor Agonists; C105050:tegaserod