Tegaserod: a new 5-HT(4) agonist in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome

Tegaserod is a selective partial agonist acting on serotonergic type 4 receptors (5-HT(4)). Pharmacodynamic studies indicate that tegaserod is able to stimulate gut propulsion and secretion with a net prokinetic effect. In contrast to other 5-HT(4) agonists endowed with a complex pharmacological profile, tegaserod has a reliable prokinetic activity in the colon. Clinical trials show that tegaserod is effective and safe in the treatment of patients with irritable bowel syndrome. In particular, tegaserod relieves symptoms of abdominal pain, discomfort, abdominal bloating and constipation.