Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic, relapsing disease characterised by abdominal pain and altered bowel movements. This review assesses the clinical trials of the partial serotonin receptor agonist tegaserod in women with constipation type IBS. Significantly more women treated with tegaserod obtained sufficient relief from symptoms during at least 2 out of 4 weeks, but the absolute therapeutic gain of approximately 10 percent was not deemed clinically relevant. Two marketing authorisation applications in the European Union have been rejected due to the minor therapeutic gain. Tegaserod was removed from the market in the USA in March 2007 due to an increased risk of severe cardiovascular adverse events.