Zelnorm: Agent for Constipation Due to IBS

Many women suffer from a condition that is not yet fully understood known as irritable bowel syndrome. Irritable bowel syndrome can cause gas, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and constipation. While the cause of irritable bowel syndrome is unknown, there is a medication which is available as a prescription called Zelnorm (Tegaserod Maleate). Zelnorm (Tegaserod Maleate) comes in tablet dosage form. These tablets are white, and come in the strengths of two milligrams, as well as six milligrams.

Zelnorm (Tegaserod Maleate) is used for the short-term treatment of irritable bowel syndrome in women whose main bowel symptom is constipation. Six milligrams of Zelnorm (Tegaserod Maleate) should be taken twice a day before meals for four to six weeks. For women who respond positively to in these four to six weeks, Zelnorm (Tegaserod Maleate) should then be taken for an additional four to six weeks. If Zelnorm (Tegaserod Maleate) is being used in patients less than sixty five years of age who have chronic idiopathic constipation, Zelnorm (Tegaserod Maleate) should be given in two milligram OR six milligram increments twice a day, and these dosages should be taken before meals. It's important to note that Zelnorm (Tegaserod Maleate) should be taken thirty minutes before a meal. It's also important that you take Zelnorm (Tegaserod Maleate) at the same time every day to help maintain stable levels of Zelnorm (Tegaserod Maleate) in your blood at all times.

Zelnorm (Tegaserod Maleate) works by stimulating certain serotonin receptors in the digestive tract. Zelnorm (Tegaserod Maleate) helps food in the digestive tract move by regulating digestive muscle movements, and Tegaserod makes the nerves in the digestive tract much less sensitive. Zelnorm (Tegaserod Maleate) should not be used if you are a patient with moderate/severe hepatic impairment, severe renal impairment, symptomatic gallbladder disease, Oddi disease, abdominal adhesions, or if you have a history of bowel obstruction. If you are a patient that suffers from diarrhea, or if diarrhea results from treatment of Zelnorm (Tegaserod Maleate), discontinue use. Zelnorm (Tegaserod Maleate) should be stopped immediately if you experience any signs of rectal bleeding, bloody diarrhea, or terrible abdominal pain. Call you physician if you experience this and he/she will discuss other options with you.

Diarrhea and headache are the most common adverse effects that are experienced while taking Zelnorm (Tegaserod Maleate). When taking Zelnorm (Tegaserod Maleate), the diarrhea may be severe and cause dehydration. Severe dehydration has been reported, so make sure to keep an adequate fluid intake. Remember to immediately report any bloody diarrhea, dizziness, fainting, rectal bleeding or terrible abdominal pains to your doctor. Keep Zelnorm (Tegaserod Maleate) in its original container, and always way from children and sunlight. Sunlight may reduce the potency of this and other drugs. If you forget to take a dose of Zelnorm (Tegaserod Maleate), take it as soon as you remember, unless it's close to your next dosing time. Never double dose on Zelnorm (Tegaserod Maleate).