Tegaserod Maleate
About
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
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Tegaserod maleate is contraindicated in those patients with severe renal impairment, moderate or severe hepatic impairment, a history of bowel obstruction, symptomatic gallbladder disease, suspected sphincter of Oddi dysfunction, or abdominal adhesions and known hypersensitivity to the Tegaserod or any of Tegaserod Maleate excipients. So, before taking the Tegaserod Maleate, let your doctor know about all your medical conditions, sensitivities, and all medications you are using. Treatment should be discontinued immediately in patients with new or sudden worsening abdominal pain.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: No interactions found/established.
Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found/established.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Tegaserod Maleate may interact with various disease conditions, including liver and kidney impairment, abdominal adhesions, gallbladder disease, bowel obstruction and sphincter of Oddi dysfunction (the sphincter muscle does not open when it should).
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionIt is unknown if alcohol interacts with Tegaserod Maleate. However, alcohol consumption is not recommended as it may worsen your condition.
Pregnancy
cautionTegaserod Maleate should not be used during pregnancy unless clearly necessary. So, inform your doctor if you are pregnant or suspect pregnancy. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and potential risks before prescribing Tegaserod Maleate.
Breast Feeding
cautionConsult the doctor if you are breastfeeding. A decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or the medicine, considering the importance of the medicine to the mother.
Driving
cautionTegaserod Maleate is unlikely to affect your ability to drive. However, sometimes Tegaserod Maleate might cause dizziness and tiredness, so drive only if alert.
Liver
cautionTegaserod Maleate is contraindicated in those patients with moderate or severe liver impairment. Inform your doctor before receiving the Tegaserod Maleate if you have a history of liver diseases. Your doctor will prescribe only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Kidney
cautionTegaserod Maleate is contraindicated in those patients with severe kidney impairment. Inform your doctor before receiving the Tegaserod Maleate if you have a history of kidney diseases. Your doctor will prescribe only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Children
unsafeIt is not recommended for use in children aged below 18 years as the safety and efficacy data are not established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Adhering to a regular meal pattern, minimizing intake of insoluble fibres, alcohol, caffeine, spicy foods, and fat, as well as engaging in regular physical activity and being hydrated, are all standard suggestions.
- Fibre and fibre-based supplements speed up colon transit, increase stool size, and ease passage, increasing stool frequency. This boost may aid patients suffering from persistent constipation and IBS-C.
- Keep a diet or food diary. Determine which foods are most likely to worsen your symptoms and limit your consumption of these.
- Understand what situations cause your symptoms and how you feel at those times.
- Make time to eat. If possible, sit down, relax, and enjoy your meal with others. Avoid eating while on the go!
- Eat three regular meals daily, at nearly the same times and roughly the same amounts.
- Maintain an active lifestyle and get enough exercise. This will make you feel better while also benefiting your bowels.
- Avoid high-fat meals and limit your intake of poorly absorbed carbs.
- Maintain a balanced lifestyle and try to reduce stress as much as possible. Allow yourself time to relax and do things you enjoy.
- Allow plenty of time to relax on the toilet. Under pressure, the bowel never operates well. Make sure that your bathroom is warm and comfortable.
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.
