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Zelnorm ( te-GAS-a-rod) is a medicine for short term treatment of women who have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) with constipation (not enough or hard bowel movements) as their main bowel problem. Zelnorm is also used to treat women younger than 65 years of age who have chronic constipation with an unknown cause. Zelnorm increases the movement of stools (bowel movement) through the bowels. Zelnorm does not cure irritable bowel syndrome. Zelnorm decreases pain and discomfort in the abdominal area, bloating, and constipation. If you stop taking Zelnorm your irritable bowel syndrome symptoms may return in one to two weeks. Zelnorm is available only with your healthcare professional's prescription, in the following dosage forms: Oral Tablets (U.S. and Canada)
Zelnorm is used to relieve pain, bloating, and constipation caused by irritable bowel syndrome (IBS; a condition that causes stomach pain, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea) in women whose main symptom is constipation. Zelnorm is also used to increase the frequency of bowel movements and relieve bloating, straining, and stomach pain in women and men with chronic idiopathic constipation (constipation that is not due to other diseases or medications and that has been a problem for longer than 6 months). Zelnorm is in a class of medications called serotonin agonists. It works by improving muscle movement and increasing production of fluid in the bowels. Zelnorm comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken twice a day on an empty stomach shortly before a meal. Take Zelnorm at around the same times every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take Zelnorm exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. If you have IBS with constipation, your doctor will probably tell you to take Zelnorm for 4 to 6 weeks. If your symptoms improve, your doctor may tell you to take Zelnorm for another 4 to 6 weeks. If you have chronic idiopathic constipation, you should talk to your doctor regularly to see if you should continue to take Zelnorm. Be sure to tell your doctor how you are feeling, and do not take Zelnorm for longer than your doctor prescribes. Zelnorm controls the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome and chronic idiopathic constipation, but does not cure these conditions. Continue to take Zelnorm even if you feel well. Do not stop taking Zelnorm without talking to your doctor. If you stop taking Zelnorm, your symptoms may return within 1 to 2 weeks. Brand names: - Tegaserod - Zelnorm |