Senna tablets or granules
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What are senna tablets, granules, or powder?
SENNA (Senokot®) is a stimulant laxative that can relieve constipation; empty and prepare the bowel for surgery or examination. Senna tablets, granules and powder are available without a prescription.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions
• appendicitis
• diabetes
• severe constipation
• stomach pain or blockage
• vomiting
• an unusual or allergic reaction to senna, tartrazine dye, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding
How should I take this medicine?
Take senna tablets or granules by mouth. Follow the directions on the package for the preparation that you are taking. Always take with plenty of water (at least one full glass). Take exactly as directed. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
What if I miss a dose?
This does not apply if you are taking senna before surgery or an examination procedure. If you are taking senna regularly and miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses. Do not take regularly for more than one week.What drug(s) may interact with senna?
There are none known. However senna may affect the time other medicines stay in the stomach. It is best not to take senna within 1 to 2 hours of taking other medicines.
What should I watch for while taking senna?
Do not use for more than one week without advice from your prescriber or health care professional. Senna can be habit-forming. Long-term use can make your body depend on the laxative for regular bowel movements. Long-term use can damage the bowel, cause malnutrition, and problems with the amounts of water and salts in your body. If your constipation keeps returning, check with your prescriber or health care professional.
Always take senna with plenty of water.
Do not inhale dust from the granules. This can make breathing difficult and cause an allergic reaction.
What side effects may I notice from taking senna?
The most serious side effect is overuse, which can cause dependence on the laxative.
Other side effects with senna include
• bloating
• diarrhea
• discolored urine (do not be alarmed this is not serious)
• lower stomach discomfort or cramps
• muscle weakness
• nausea, vomiting
• unusual tiredness
• unusual weight loss
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
Important Disclaimer: The drug information provided here is for educational purposes only. It is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the diagnosis, treatment and advice of a medical professional. This drug information does not cover all possible uses, precautions, side effects and interactions. It should not be construed to indicate that this or any drug is safe for you. Consult your medical professional for guidance before using any prescription or over the counter drugs.
