Efficacy of Tegaserod in Relieving the Symptoms of Female Patients With Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Excluding Those With Predominant Diarrhea IBS

Inclusion Criteria: * women, outpatients, 18-65 years of age with IBS-C or IBS with mixed bowel habits * In the 12 months preceding study entry, they had to have at least 12 weeks (not necessarily consecutive) of abdominal discomfort/pain with 2 out of 3 features: 1) relieved with defecation; 2) onset associated with a change in stool frequency; 3) onset associated with a change in form (appearance) of stool. * Had to fulfill the following criteria (IBS questionnaire) during the last 3 months prior to study entry: abdominal discomfort or pain present during at least 3 weeks in the last 3 months, and at least two of the following: abdominal discomfort or pain gets better or stops after a bowel movement; change in bowel movement frequency when the abdominal discomfort or pain starts; change in bowel movement consistency when the abdominal discomfort or pain starts Exclusion Criteria: * IBS-D * not reporting any constipation and diarrhea criteria * evidence of structural abnormality of the gastrointestinal tract or diseases/conditions that affect bowel transit * history of bowel obstruction, symptomatic gallbladder disease, suspected sphincter of Oddi dysfunction, or abdominal adhesions * evidence of cathartic colon or history of laxative abuse Other protocol-defined inclusion/exclusion criteria may apply.