Wonder drug for chronic constipation

Scientists at the Humboldt University, Berlin, have revealed that a new drug has been found extremely effective in treating nearly all symptoms associated with chronic constipation.

Reporting their discovery in the American Journal of Gastroenterology, they said that Tegaserod is the only drug aside from laxatives, which is effective at treating a wide variety of symptoms of chronic constipation.

Several approaches like increased fiber intake and lifestyle changes are frequently used for treating the condition, but their effectiveness in curing the multiple symptoms of chronic constipation is limited.

"Chronic constipation is a complex medical disorder and several bodily mechanisms are involved in its development," said Dr Stefan M|ller-Lissner, lead author of the study.

"The positive results we have found from Tegaserod treatment in relieving this array of symptoms could potentially benefit millions," he added.

The researchers claim that their study has proved the long-term safety, efficacy, and tolerability of Tegaserod.

They say that patients who were put on this drug did not show serious side-effects from long-term usage, and that the maximal improvements in their condition were observed after almost six months of further treatment.