Chronic Constipation Medication

Since everyone has different bowel patterns, and not everyone passes one stool per day, exactly who qualifies for the diagnosis of "constipated" is not always clear. One definition reads: irregular and infrequent or difficult evacuation of the bowels. About 2% of the US population suffers from chronic constipation, and many more take remedies to help them keep ‘regular’. All this makes the manufacturers of laxatives and other over-the-counter medications wealthy.

Now, for the truly constipated, who have tried everything and are still unhappy, there’s hope. A prescription drug called Zelnorm® (tegaserod) has been available for some time, but long-term studies haven’t been published before. This has changed with a report in the American Journal of Gastroenterology. A study done in Europe, Australia, and South Africa found that subjects given 2 to 6 mg twice daily of the drug for up to 16 months found it effective and safe. Symptoms such as abdominal pain and bloating were improved along with the constipation. One or more episodes of diarrhea were reported by 7.3% of those taking Zelnorm, but was transient and didn’t require special treatment.

What’s special about this drug is that it uses the body’s own signal for bowel motility – serotonin – rather than acting as an irritant or lubricant on the bowel wall. The study was sponsored by Novartis, the manufacturers of Zelnorm, as part of their complete characterization program for new drugs. It looks as if now there’s a more effective back-up to liquorice, ginger, or fiber-bulking agents.

Comments

[Robert Griffith]

Please note that the FDA has asked Novartis to withdraw Zelnorm(R) (tegaserod) because of a very slight risk of increased cardiac effects.

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