Tegaserod Maleate
About Tegaserod Maleate
Tegaserod Maleate belongs to the group of medicines called serotonin agonists. Tegaserod is prescribed for the short-term management of constipation with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in women younger than 65 years. It is also used to manage chronic idiopathic constipation in adult patients. Irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C) is a condition that causes stomach pain or cramps, bloating, and infrequent or difficult passage of stools. Chronic idiopathic constipation is a functional bowel disorder characterised by difficult or incomplete and/or infrequent passage of stools that lasts for 3months or longer and is not caused by any disease or medication
Tegaserod Maleate contains ‘Tegaserod’, a serotonin antagonist which works by improving muscle movement and increasing the production of fluid in the bowels.
You are advised to take Tegaserod Maleate for as long as your doctor has prescribed it to you. In some cases, you may experience certain common side effects, such as headache, diarrhoea, nausea (uncomfortable feeling), gas, heartburn, and dizziness. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if you experience these side effects persistently.
Keep your doctor informed about your health condition and the medicines you are taking to rule out any unpleasant side effects or interactions. Do not breastfeed while you are taking tegaserod.
Tegaserod Maleate should not be used during pregnancy unless clearly necessary. So, inform your doctor if you are pregnant or suspect pregnancy. If you become pregnant while taking Tegaserod Maleate, call your doctor. Tegaserod Maleate may cause dizziness, so drive only if you are alert. Tegaserod Maleate is not recommended for children below 18 years as safety and effectiveness have not been established. It is advised not to use Tegaserod Maleate in patients who are currently experiencing or frequently experiencing diarrhoea.
Uses of Tegaserod Maleate
Medicinal Benefits
Tegaserod is prescribed for the short-term management of constipation in women with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It can also be indicated for the treatment of chronic idiopathic constipation in patients under the age of 65. It works by improving muscle movement and increasing fluid production in the bowels. Thus, it treats irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C). It also decreases pain and discomfort in the stomach area, bloating, and constipation.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Tegaserod Maleate
- Headache
- Diarrhea
- Nausea (uncomfortable feeling)
- Gas
- Heartburn
- Dizziness
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C): Irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C) is a condition that causes stomach pain or cramps, bloating, and infrequent or difficult passage of stools.
Chronic idiopathic constipation: Chronic idiopathic constipation is a functional bowel disorder characterised by difficult or incomplete and/or infrequent passage of stools that lasts for 3months or longer and is not caused by any disease or medication. Symptoms include bloating, abdominal pain, and feeling as if the bowel movement is incomplete. Constipation occurs when the normal muscle contractions in the large intestine slow down, which causes the incomplete elimination of the bowel from the body. Constipation could be associated with a sudden change of diet, a diet with less fibre, not drinking enough liquids, lack of exercise, loss of tone of the bowel muscles in older people or having to stay in bed for a longer duration.
FAQs
Tegaserod Maleate contains ‘Tegaserod’, which works by improving muscle movement and increasing production of fluid in the bowels. Thereby, helps restore the normal functioning of the bowel and treats constipation.
Diarrhoea is one of the most common side effects with Tegaserod Maleate. Without treatment, most instances of diarrhoea resolve within a few days. Drink plenty of drinks to avoid dehydration. Take frequent little sips of water. If diarrhoea continues or worsens, consult the doctor.
Do not take Tegaserod Maleate for longer durations unless advised by the doctor, as it might lead to dependency on Tegaserod Maleate for a bowel movement. Consult your doctor if your bowel movement is irregular even after taking Tegaserod Maleate for four weeks.
Consume plenty of fluids and fibre-rich foods such as whole-grain bread, unprocessed bran, fruits and vegetables. Make an effort to exercise on a regular basis.
If you miss a dose, try to take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and take the scheduled dose instead. Avoid taking the double dose as it might cause unpleasant side effects or overdose.
