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GENERIC NAME: SENNA - RECTAL (SEN-uh)

BRAND NAME(S): Senokot

Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage

USES: Senna is used to treat constipation and to clear the the intestine before rectal or bowel examinations.

HOW TO USE: Wash hands before and after using this product. Wash and dry the rectal area. To use suppositories, remove the foil wrap and insert into the rectum. You may find it helpful to moisten the suppository with lukewarm water to soften it up. Lie down on your side and push the tapered end just inside the rectum. If the suppository has softened too much, it can be refrigerated again prior to removal from its wrapper. Laxatives should not be used in persons experiencing stomach cramps, nausea or vomiting.

SIDE EFFECTS: This medication may cause diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, rectal irritation, stomach cramps or bloating. If these effects continue or become bothersome, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor promptly if you experience: rectal bleeding, rapid heart rate, weakness, dizziness, fainting, sweating, skin rash, unrelieved constipation. This medication may cause the urine to turn pink, red or brownish in color. Do not be alarmed. It is not harmful. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS: Consult your doctor before using any medication while breast-feeding. Tell your doctor if you have any: kidney disease, heart disease, high blood pressure, swelling (edema), any allergies (especially to tartrazine). Prolonged, frequent or excessive use of laxatives may lead to dependency.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Because laxatives may interfere with the absorption of some medications, it is important to tell your doctor of any over-the-counter or prescription medication you may take. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.




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Suggested Reading by Our Doctors
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  • Constipation - Read details about constipation and the different treatments available for constipation including laxatives, dietary fiber, enemas, suppositories, drugs, and surgery.
  • Melanosis Coli - Melanosis coli, a condition that can be caused from chronic laxative abuse has no symptoms.

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senna-rectal, Senokot

What is melanosis coli?

Melanosis coli is a condition usually associated with chronic laxative use in which dark pigment is deposited in the lamina propria (one of the lining layers) of the large intestine (colon). The pigment deposition results in a characteristic dark brown to black discoloration of the lining of the large intestine. This condition is sometimes called pseudomelanosis coli because the pigment deposits consist of a pigment known as lipofuscin and do not contain melanin as implied by the term "melanosis." Lipofuscin is a cellular pigment that forms when cells are destroyed, often called "wear and tear" pigment that can be found throughout the body.

The dark color of the intestinal lining may be uniform or patterned, and the discoloration may be slight or very pronounced. The intensity and pattern of the discoloration may even vary among different sites in the colon of a patient. The condition may also be reversed upon disc...

Read the Melanosis Coli article »




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