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Safety and tolerability of tegaserod in irritable bowel syndrome management
1College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan Health-System, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Mich 48109-1965, USA. rberardi@umich.edu
Objectives:
To discuss the need for safe and effective therapy for patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and to provide up-to-date information on the safety and tolerability profile of tegaserod, a novel treatment for women with IBS whose primary bowel symptom is constipation.
Data Sources:
PubMed and abstracts from gastroenterology conferences were searched through October 2003 using the following search terms: irritable bowel syndrome, IBS, tegaserod, cisapride, alosetron, systematic review, safety, tolerability, serotonin, 5-HT, 5-HT3 receptor antagonist, and 5-HT4 receptor agonist; all information on the safety and tolerability of tegaserod published up to October 2003 is included.
Data Synthesis:
A comprehensive review of the medical literature (through 2001) finds no adequate therapies that address the multiple symptoms of IBS. Traditional agents, although occasionally effective, often cause adverse effects. Tegaserod, a selective serotonin type 4 receptor (5-HT4) partial agonist, overcomes a number of obstacles associated with traditional therapies. Important information for pharmacists about the safety and tolerability of tegaserod is presented.
Conclusion:
Tegaserod is effective in treating multiple IBS symptoms in women with IBS whose primary bowel symptom is constipation, and it is safe and well tolerated.
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