Short term treatment of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in women who have constipation as their main symptom. It is also used for treating certain men and women who have a type of chronic constipation. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Zelnorm is a selective serotonin receptor agonist. It works on the nerves of the bowel to improve bowel function. This helps you to have more normal stools.

How to use Zelnorm :

Use Zelnorm as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• An extra patient leaflet is available with Zelnorm . Talk to your pharmacist if you have questions about this information.
• Take Zelnorm by mouth on an empty stomach, shortly before you eat a meal, unless your doctor tells you otherwise.
• If you miss a dose of Zelnorm , take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Zelnorm .

Before using Zelnorm :

Some medical conditions may interact with Zelnorm . Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have a history of certain severe bowel problems (eg, ischemic colitis) or gallbladder, liver, or kidney problems
• if you have low blood pressure or are dehydrated

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Zelnorm . However, no specific interactions with Zelnorm are known at this time.

Ask your health care provider if Zelnorm may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

Do NOT use Zelnorm if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Zelnorm
• you have moderate to severe liver problems or severe kidney problems
• you have a history of certain bile duct or gallbladder problems, blockage of the bowel, or abdominal adhesions
• you have diarrhea or you have diarrhea often

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Important safety information:

• Zelnorm may cause dizziness. This effect may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Zelnorm with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
• Use Zelnorm with caution in the ELDERLY; they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially diarrhea.
• Zelnorm should be used with extreme caution in CHILDREN; safety and effectiveness in children have not been confirmed.
• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Zelnorm while you are pregnant. It is not known if Zelnorm is found in the breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Zelnorm .

Possible side effects of Zelnorm :

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Diarrhea; headache.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); bloody stools; diarrhea with severe cramping; fainting; new or worsening stomach pain; rectal bleeding; severe or persistent diarrhea or dizziness.