title: Tegaserod and other serotonergic agents: what is the evidence?
abstract: Through effects on gastrointestinal motor and secretory function as well as visceral sensation, serotonin (5-HT) plays a key role in the pathogenesis of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). In particular, 5-HT3 and 5-HT4 receptors appear to be very important in IBS. This article critically appraises the evidence supporting the use of the 5-HT3 receptor antagonist alosetron in the treatment of women with diarrhea-predominant IBS. The safety profile and restricted-use program for alosetron is also reviewed. This discussion is followed by a comprehensive review of the efficacy and safety data in support of tegaserod for women with constipation-predominant IBS.
authors.affiliation: University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA.
authors.forename: William D
authors.initials: WD
authors.lastname: Chey
mesh_terms: D002243:Carbolines / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003109:Colonic Diseases, Functional / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D007211:Indoles / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012702:Serotonin Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D017366:Serotonin Receptor Agonists / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D002243:Carbolines; D007211:Indoles; D012702:Serotonin Antagonists; D017366:Serotonin Receptor Agonists; C090840:alosetron; C105050:tegaserod