Irritable Bowel Syndrome
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Zelnorm Dosage

The recommended Zelnorm dosage for treating chronic idiopathic constipation in people less than 65 years old is 6 mg twice a day. For women who have irritable bowel syndrome with constipation, the recommended starting Zelnorm dose is 6 mg twice daily for four to six weeks. Your Zelnorm dosage should be taken at the same time each day and on an empty stomach if possible. Some of the factors that can affect Zelnorm dosing include your age, the medical condition you are being treated for, and other drugs you may be currently taking.

 

Zelnorm Dosing: An Overview

The dose of Zelnorm® (tegaserod maleate) that your healthcare provider recommends will vary depending on a number of factors, including:
 
  • Your age
  • The medical condition you are being treated for
  • Other medical conditions you may have
  • Other medications you may be currently taking.
     
As always, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
 
In March 2007, Zelnorm was taken off the market in the United States because it was shown to increase the risk for a heart attack, angina, or stroke. In July 2007, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that Zelnorm will be available to people who meet certain criteria through a special program called a "treatment IND" (see Zelnorm Recall for more information). However, as of April 2, 2008, Zelnorm is no longer available under the treatment IND program, although it may still be available in certain emergency situations.
 

Zelnorm Dosing for IBS With Constipation

For the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) with constipation in women, the suggested dose is Zelnorm 6 mg taken by mouth twice daily before meals for four to six weeks. If Zelnorm is helping with your symptoms of IBS, your healthcare provider may decide to keep you on Zelnorm for an additional four to six weeks.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;