Drug: Zelnorm

Zelnorm Pills
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About Zelnorm - An Overview

Zelnorm is also known as tegaserod maleate containing tegaserod - which is a hydrogen maleate salt. Tegaserod is either a white or off-white crystalline powder and is slightly soluble in both ethanol and water. Furthermore, Zelnorm is a serotonin receptor agonist. It works to improve the nerves of the bowel in its day to day functions. This helps patients with irritable bowel condition (such as bloating or abdominal pain and discomfort) to have regular stools.

Zelnorm was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 2002 for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome in women. Then in 2004, Zelnorm was again approved to treat chronic constipation in women and men under the age of 65. This drug was aggressively promoted and and advertised through various ads with people showing written messages on their stomachs.

Zelnorm Dosage And Administration

6mg tablet is the most recommended Zelnorm dosage, which needs to be taken on an empty stomach two times a day - or shortly after meals. Normally, Zelnorm is meant to be taken within 4 to 6 weeks. However, a longer course can be considered for patients who have more positive responses than the negative ones to Zelnorm. Remember that Zelnorm should be strictly taken twice a day - and not when only needed.

Some Precautions When Taking Zelnorm

Avoid using Zelnorm if:

- You are allergic to the ingredients contained in the drug

- You have liver problems that are either moderate or severe or kidney problems, which are severe.

- You have gallbladder problems, abdominal adhesion and blockage of the bowel

- You often have diarrhoea.

Make certain you inform your doctor of any medical conditions before starting on Zelnorm. Certain conditions may interact with this drug.

Some of the conditions you need to take note of are:

- If you are planning to get pregnant, already pregnant or breast-feeding.

- If you are on prescription medication like dietary supplement or herbal preparation.

- If you have certain allergic reactions to foods, medicines and other substances.

Some Common Zelnorm Side Effects

Some patients may experience allergic reactions like hives, swelling of tongue, throat and lips, difficulty breathing, stomach pain, diarrhoea, headaches or dizziness. However, these side effects do not hinder every patient taking this medication. Other individuals may not experience any of these negative effects.

Associated Risks Of Using Zelnorm

In March 2007, The FDA was given a new analysis of 29 clinical studies where Zelnorm was used to treat gastrointestinal tract conditions. Thereafter, Zelnorm was taken off the market by the FDA because the new safety analysis found that this drug has a higher chance of bringing on a stroke or heart attack.

However, there are many patients who have no other treatment options available, and find that the benefits of taking Zelnorm far outweigh the risks associated with the medication. In such instance, the FDA allows patients to have access to this drug through a special program. The FDA has also indicated a willingness to take into consideration the re-introduction of Zelnorm in a limited fashion at a later date.

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