Tenapanor Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 1, 2022.

For the Consumer

Applies to tenapanor: oral tablet

Warning

Oral route (Tablet)

Tenapanor is contraindicated in patients less than 6 years of age; in nonclinical studies in young juvenile rats administration of tenapanor caused deaths presumed to be due to dehydration.Avoid use of tenapanor in patients 6 years to less than 12 years of age.The safety and effectiveness of tenapanor have not been established in patients less than 18 years of age.

Side effects requiring immediate medical attention

Along with its needed effects, tenapanor may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking tenapanor:

More common

Diarrhea

Less common or rare

Bleeding in the rectum

Rare

Abdominal or stomach pain
confusion
difficult breathing
irregular heartbeat
nausea or vomiting
nervousness
numbness or tingling in the hands, feet, or lips
weakness or heaviness of the legs

Side effects not requiring immediate medical attention

Some side effects of tenapanor may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Less common

Dizziness
excess air or gas in the stomach or intestines
full or bloated feeling
passing gas
pressure in the stomach
swelling of abdominal or stomach area

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to tenapanor: oral tablet

General

The most commonly reported side effects included diarrhea, abdominal distention, flatulence, and dizziness.^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

Very common (10% or more): Diarrhea (up to 20%)

Common (1% to 10%): Abdominal distention, flatulence, severe diarrhea

Frequency not reported: Abnormal gastrointestinal sounds, rectal bleeding^[Ref]

Diarrhea occurred in 20% of patients with renal dysfunction (estimated glomerular function rate [eGFR] less than 90 mL/min/1.73 m2), compared to 16% of patients without renal dysfunction.^[Ref]

Metabolic

Frequency not reported: Hyperkalemia resulting in hospitalization^[Ref]

In a clinical trial with patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and chronic kidney disease (eGFR 25 to 70 mL/min/1.73 m2), hyperkalemia resulting in hospitalization was reported in 2 patients given this drug and 1 patient given placebo.^[Ref]