Senna is an herb that’s used to treat constipation. It’s also taken to empty the bowels before certain medical procedures or surgeries.
You can buy this product over the counter (OTC).
Senna is a stimulant laxative that works by irritating the lining of the bowel, which increases bowel movement.
When senna is sold as an herbal supplement, there aren’t universal governmental manufacturing standards in place. It’s a good idea to talk to your doctor before taking any type of supplement.
Senna is sold under different brand names, including Senokot.
uses
What is Senokot (Senna) used for?
- Constipation -- Acute
- Constipation
warnings
What is the most important information I should know about Senokot (Senna)?
You should not use senna if you are allergic to it, or if you have:
- diarrhea;
- hemorrhoids;
- stomach pain;
- a blockage in your intestines;
- inflammatory bowel disease; or
- appendicitis.
Ask a doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider if it is safe for you to use this product if you have ever had:
- an electrolyte imbalance (such as low levels of potassium in your blood);
- any change in bowel habits that has lasted longer than 2 weeks;
- long-term bowel problems;
- stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting; or
- if you are taking mineral oil.
Ask a doctor before using this product if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Do not give any herbal/health supplement to a child without medical advice.
User Reviews & Rating
Overall rating for Senokot (Senna)
Side Effects
What are the side effects of Senokot (Senna)?
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficult breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop using senna and call your doctor at once if you have:
- rectal bleeding;
- no bowel movement within 12 hours after using senna; or
- low blood potassium--leg cramps, constipation, irregular heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, increased thirst or urination, numbness or tingling, muscle weakness or limp feeling.
Common side effects may include:
- stomach pain, discomfort, or cramps;
- diarrhea, or an urgent need to have a bowel movement;
- nausea, gas; or
- discoloration of your urine.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Can I take Senokot (Senna) if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?
Ask a doctor before using this product if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Interactions
What drugs and food should I avoid while taking Senokot (Senna)?
Avoid taking this product within 2 hours before or after you take other medicines. Senna can make it harder for your body to absorb certain medicines you take by mouth.
Avoid using senna together with other herbal/health supplements that can lower potassium level. This includes horsetail, licorice, aloe, buckthorn, gossypol, rhubarb, and other stimulant laxative herbs.
Do not use other laxatives while taking senna unless your doctor has told you to.
Dosage Guidelines & Tips
How to take Senokot (Senna)?
Use Senokot (Senna) exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
When considering the use of senna, seek the advice of your doctor. You may also consider consulting a practitioner who is trained in the use of herbal/health supplements.
If you choose to use senna, use it as directed on the package or as directed by your doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. Do not use more of this product than is recommended on the label.
Swallow the tablet whole with a full glass of water and do not crush, chew, or break it.
You must chew the chewable tablet before you swallow it.
Measure liquid product with the supplied measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).
Taking more than your recommended dose will not make this product more effective, and may cause serious side effects.
Senna should produce a bowel movement within 6 to 12 hours after you take it.
Do not use different forms of senna (tablets, liquids, and others) at the same time or you could have an overdose.
Call your healthcare provider if your constipation does not improve after 1 week of using senna, or if constipation gets worse. Do not take senna for longer than 1 week, unless your healthcare provider has told you to.
Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.
Skip the missed dose and take the next regularly scheduled dose.
Overdose Signs
What happens if I overdose on Senokot (Senna)?
Overdose symptoms may include electrolyte imbalance (muscle spasms, changes in the shape of your fingers), muscle weakness, heart problems, liver damage, and other side effects.
What to Expect
You may want to take this product at bedtime, as it typically produces a bowel movement within 6 to 12 hours.
This medicine is for short-term use only. You shouldn’t take it for longer than a week without first checking with your doctor.
Let your doctor know if you experience any unusual side effects while using this medicine.
Additional Dosage Information
Your dose of senna will depend on your age, the formulation you use, the brand you purchase, your medical condition, and other factors.
Follow the instructions on the product label carefully when taking senna.
Secondary Uses
Though its effectiveness is unclear, senna may be used to treat other conditions, including:
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Anal fissures (tears in the lining of the anus)
- Hemorrhoids
Some people also take it as a weight loss remedy, but there is no conclusive evidence to support this, and it's not recommended to use for weight loss.
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