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.

From the Doctors at MedicineNet.com

Constipation - Constipation information: symptoms, causes, treatments, how to evaluate, and a digestion support group. Read details about the different treatments available for constipation including laxatives, dietary fiber, enemas, suppositories, drugs, and surgery. Source:MedicineNet Melanosis Coli - Melanosis coli, a condition that can be caused from chronic laxative abuse has no symptoms. Source:MedicineNet Read 9 more senna-rectal related articles ... So Much to Do, So Little Sleep Head Injuries All Too Common in Summer Play Health Tip: The Word on Wisdom Teeth Health Tip: Make Exercise a Daily Habit New Source of Heart Stem Cells Found Health Highlights: June 23, 2008 Poorer Patients Have Poorer Survival After Cancer Diagnosis One Gene May Be Key to Myeloma Crocodile Babies Cry Out for Hatching Immune Molecule Key to Preventing Organ Rejection