Zelnorm

Zelnorm is a brand name for tegaserod maleate, it is an oral medication indicated for the short-term treatment of women with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) whose primary bowel symptom is constipation.

IBS is a chronic gastrointestinal disorder which is characterized by recurrent abdominal pain or discomfort and altered bowel function which can be either constipation or diarrhea. In this condition, contractions of the intestinal muscles, primarily those of the colon, control the movement of food through the intestine.

Patients who are constipated experience fewer contractions than persons without constipation. An important factor that controls these contractions is serotonin. Serotonin is a chemical which is manufactured by the nerves in the intestine. The nerves release this chemical and then it travels and binds to receptors on the surface of nearby nerves.

It is a "neurotransmitter," or a chemical messenger which is used by the nerves to communicate with each other. It binds to receptors on the nerves that control contractions of the intestinal muscles, where it can then either promote or prevent contractions depending on the type of receptor it binds to, binding to some types of receptors causes contractions, and binding to other types of receptors blocks contractions. The serotonin 5-HT4 receptor is the receptor that prevents contractions when serotonin binds to it.

Zelnorm is a drug that blocks the 5-HT4 receptor and prevents serotonin from binding to it. As a result of this, contractions increase. The increased contractions then speed the transit of digesting food and reverse the constipation. Additionally, Zelnorm reduces the sensitivity of the pain-sensing nerves of the intestines and can thereby reduce the perception of pain.

Zelnorm is available in tablet form; it is whitish to slightly yellowish in colour, flat and circular with a bevelled edge containing 2 mg or 6 mg tegaserod.

The recommended dosage of Zelnorm is 6 mg to be taken orally and twice daily before meals for about 4 to 6 weeks. For women who responded to therapy at 4-6 weeks, an additional 4-6 weeks course may be considered.

However, if one is allergic to tegaserod, the use of Zelnorm is not recommended. Also, certain condition like a history of stroke or heart attack; untreated or uncontrolled angina (chest pain); high blood pressure; high cholesterol or triglycerides; diabetes; depression or anxiety; being a smoker; being more than 55 years of age; is overweight; or have a history of suicidal thoughts or actions; prohibits one from taking Zelnorm.

It is also important to tell the prescribing doctor any allergic reactions one may have to certain drugs as well as if any of these symptoms are experienced:

• diarrhea or if main symptom of IBS is diarrhea;
• problems in gallbladder;
• a blockage in the intestines;
• any other stomach or intestinal disorders;
• kidney disease;
• liver disease.