Tegaserod is an amino guanidine-indole with selective and partial S-HT4 receptor agonistic activity. It is available as tegaserod maleate INN equivalent to tegaserod 6mg/tablet.
Mode of action: It binds to 5-HT4 receptors in gastrointestinal tract and stimulates gastrointestinal motility and intestinal peristaltic reflex, and inhibits intestinal sensitivity.
Indication: Treatment of constipation predominantly in patients of irritable bowel syndrome, whose main symptoms are constipation, abdominal pain and discomfort. CII: Hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients.
Adverse Events: The adverse events are similar to that observed with placebo, with the exception of diarrhoea. The frequency of most other adverse events are also similar as placebo-trial. They include abdominal pain, nausea, flatulence, headache, dizziness, back pain and influenza-like symptoms,
Precautions & warnings: Usually no dosage adjustment is required in patients with mild to moderate hepatic. impairment & mild, moderate or severe renal impairment. Special care is necessary in patients with severe hepatic impairment & patients with lactose intolerance.
Pregnancy & lactation: Since limited experience in pregnant women, use of tegaserod during pregnancy is not recommended, It is also not recommended to prescribe in breast-feeding women.
Pediatric patients: Safety and efficacy have not been established in pediatric patients,
Dosage:The recommended dose is 6mg orally twice daily prior to meal. No dosage adjustment is required in elderly patients.
Drug interaction: Based on the currently available data, dosage adjustment is not required for either drug when tegaserod is coadministered with other drugs.