Zelnorm Side Effects

Generic name: tegaserod

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Mar 27, 2025.

Note: This document provides detailed information about Zelnorm.

Applies to tegaserod: oral tablet Side Effects associated with tegaserod. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name Zelnorm.

Applies to tegaserod: oral tablet.

Precautions

It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits, especially during the first few weeks that you use this medicine, to make sure it is working properly. Blood and urine tests may be needed to check for unwanted effects.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.

This medicine may increase your risk of having a heart attack or stroke. Check with your doctor right away if you are having chest pain or discomfort, nausea or vomiting, pain or discomfort in the arms, jaw, back, or neck, trouble breathing, slurred speech, or weakness.

Check with your doctor right away if you have rectal bleeding, severe or bloody diarrhea, or new or worsening stomach pain. These may be symptoms of a serious condition called ischemic colitis (swelling and injury of the bowels caused by not enough blood flow to the bowels).

This medicine may cause some people to be agitated, irritable, or display other abnormal behaviors. It may also cause some people to have suicidal thoughts and tendencies or to become more depressed. Also tell your doctor if you have sudden or strong feelings, such as feeling nervous, angry, restless, violent, or scared. If you or your caregiver notice any of these side effects, tell your doctor right away.

Do not take this medicine if you have diarrhea now or have diarrhea often.

Do not use this medicine if you are smoking.

Serious side effects of Zelnorm

Along with its needed effects, tegaserod (the active ingredient contained in Zelnorm) 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 tegaserod:

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur while taking tegaserod:

Symptoms of overdose

• bloated, full feeling
• chills
• cold sweats
• confusion
• dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up from lying or sitting position
• excess air or gas in the stomach or bowels
• headache
• passing gas

Other side effects of Zelnorm

Some side effects of tegaserod 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:

For healthcare professionals

Applies to tegaserod: oral tablet.

General adverse events

Side effects affecting the body as a whole have included accidental trauma (3% vs. 2% for placebo) and leg pain (1% vs. less than 1% for placebo). Other effects, regardless of causality, have included pain and facial edema.^[Ref]

Nervous system

Nervous system side effects have included headache, dizziness, migraine, insomnia, vertigo, and Raynaud's phenomenon.^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

Gastrointestinal side effects have included abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, flatulence, abdominal distention and pain, vomiting, dyspepsia, gastritis, gastroesophageal reflux, hemorrhoids, and proctalgia. Irritable colon, fecal incontinence, tenesmus, increased appetite, eructation, appendicitis, bilirubinemia, subileus, sphincter of Oddi spasm, bile duct stone, ischemic colitis, mesenteric ischemia, gangrenous bowel, rectal bleeding, and increases in abdominal surgeries, primarily cholecystectomies, have also been reported; however, causality was not clearly established.^[Ref]

Hepatic

Hepatic side effects have included increased SGOT and SGPT. Hepatitis, elevation in ALT, AST, and bilirubin have been reported during postmarketing experience.^[Ref]

Metabolic

Metabolic side effects have included increase in appetite, hypokalemia and hypovolemia secondary to diarrhea, and increased creatine phosphokinase.^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

Musculoskeletal side effects have included back pain, arthropathy, and myalgia. Other effects, regardless of causality, have included cramps.^[Ref]

Oncologic

Oncologic side effects have included breast carcinoma.^[Ref]

Psychiatric

Psychiatric side effects have included attempted suicide, impaired concentration, emotional lability, increased appetite, sleep disorder and depression.^[Ref]

Respiratory

Respiratory side effects have included asthma.^[Ref]

Dermatologic

Dermatologic side effects have included pruritus. Alopecia has been reported during postmarketing experience.^[Ref]

Endocrine

Endocrine side effects have included increased sweating.^[Ref]

Genitourinary

Genitourinary side effects have included frequent micturition, polyuria, urinary tract infection, ovarian cyst, miscarriage, dysmenorrhea, and menorrhagia.^[Ref]

Renal

Renal side effects have included renal pain and albuminuria.^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

Cardiovascular side effects have included hypotension, angina pectoris, syncope, arrhythmia, bundle branch block, supraventricular tachycardia, and flushing. A case of myocardial infarction has been reported.^[Ref]

Myocardial infarction has been reported in a 64-year-old male after receiving two doses of tegaserod 6 mg.^[Ref]

See also:

Frequently asked questions

• Is Zelnorm back on the market?

Further information

Zelnorm side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer