Senna
Description
Senna is used in the treatment of constipation and to empty the bowel before certain medical procedures. This medicine is not recommended for use in patients with a known history of bowel disorders.
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Side effects
Major & minor side effects for Senna
- Abdominal and stomach cramps
- Rectal bleeding
- Diarrhea
- Excessive bowel activity
- Intestinal obstruction
- Irritation around the rectum
- Nausea and Vomiting
Uses of Senna
What is it prescribed for?
- Bowel preparation
- Constipation
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Concerns
Commonly asked questions
- Onset of actionThe time required for this medicine to show its action is about 6 to 24 hours.
- Duration of effectThe time until which this medicine remains active in the body is not clinically established.
- Safe with alcohol?Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
- Is it habit forming?No habit forming tendency has been reported.
- Usage in pregnancy?This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless necessary. All the risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before taking this medicine.
- Usage while breast-feeding?This medicine is recommended for use in breastfeeding women only if necessary. All the risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before taking this medicine. Your doctor may prescribe a safer alternative based on your clinical condition.
Allergy
This medicine is not recommended for use in patients with a known allergy to Senna.
Intestinal Obstruction
Senna is not recommended for use in patients with a known history of intestinal obstruction due to the increased risk of worsening of the patient's condition.
Ulcerative Colitis
Senna is not recommended for use in patients with a known history of Ulcerative Colitis due to the increased risk of severe side effects.
Rectal bleeding
Senna is not recommended for use in patients with a known history of rectal bleeding due to the increased risk of worsening of the patient's condition.
Crohn's Disease
Senna is not recommended for use in patients with a known history of Crohn's disease due to the increased risk of worsening of the patient's condition.
Warnings for special population
Pregnancy
This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless necessary. All the risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before taking this medicine.
Breast-feeding
This medicine is recommended for use in breastfeeding women only if necessary. All the risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before taking this medicine. Your doctor may prescribe a safer alternative based on your clinical condition.
General warnings
Self medication
Senna is not recommended for use if you are having stomach pain or nausea. It is advised to consult the doctor before taking this medicine.
Continuous use
This medicine is not recommended for use for more than 1 week due to the increased risk of dependence.
Electrolyte imblance
This medicine should be used with caution due to the increased risk of electrolytes and fluid imbalance. Report any side effects such as dizziness, weakness, or fainting to the doctor immediately.
Missed Dose
If a dose of Senna is missed, take the dose as soon as you remember it. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose. Do not double the dose to make up for the missed one.
Overdose
Seek emergency medical treatment or contact the doctor in case of an overdose.
All drugs interact differently for person to person. You should check all the possible interactions with your doctor before starting any medicine.
Interaction with Alcohol
Description
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Instructions
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Interaction with Medicine
Norfloxacin
Amiodarone
Ciprofloxacin
Azithromycin
Disease interactions
Disease
Information not available.
Food interactions
Information not available.
Lab interactions
Information not available.
Take Senna exactly as instructed by the doctor. The single dose of this medicine is usually taken at bedtime. Do not take larger amounts than prescribed. Seek emergency medical treatment in case of any severe side effects.
Miscelleneous
How it works
This medicine works by stimulating the intestines activity to produce a bowel movement. It also increases the water content in stool to make the stool soft.
Legal Status
Classification
Category
Laxatives
Schedule
N/A
[Internet]. 2017 [cited 10 August 2017]. Available from:
DailyMed - BEST CHOICE SENNA- sennosides tablet [Internet]. Dailymed.nlm.nih.gov. 2017 [cited 10 August 2017]. Available from:
Prescribing medicines in pregnancy database [Internet]. Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). 2017 [cited 10 August 2017]. Available from:
Senna: MedlinePlus Drug Information [Internet]. Medlineplus.gov. 2017 [cited 10 August 2017]. Available from:
Sennosides - DrugBank [Internet]. Drugbank.ca. 2017 [cited 10 August 2017]. Available from:
Information on this page was last updated on 15 Aug 2017
Disclaimer
We’ve made all possible efforts to ensure that the information provided here is accurate, up-to-date and complete, however, it should not be treated as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Practo only provides reference source for common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. The absence of a warning for any drug or combination thereof, should not be assumed to indicate that the drug or combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for any given patient. Practo does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information provided above. If you have any doubts about your medication then we strongly recommend that you consult with your doctor, nurse or healthcare provider. See detailed T&C here.