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.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly. This medicine may be harmful if swallowed.
NOTES: To maintain normal bowel habits, it is important to drink plenty of fluids (4 to 6 eight ounce glasses a day), increase your intake of fiber and roughage and exercise regularly.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered; do not take it if it is near the time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature below 77 degrees F (below 25 degrees C) away from heat and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom.
Related Disease Conditions
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Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Irritable bowel syndrome or IBS is a GI disorder with symptoms of constipation, abdominal pain, bloating, and gas. IBS treatment includes medications, dietary changes, and lifestyle changes.
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Constipation
Constipation is defined medically as fewer than three stools per week and severe constipation as less than one stool per week. Constipation usually is caused by the slow movement of stool through the colon. There are many causes of constipation including medications, poor bowel habits, low-fiber diets, laxative abuse, and hormonal disorders, and diseases primarily of other parts of the body that also affect the colon.
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Why Am I So Gassy and Bloated?
Bloating is a feeling that your abdomen is distended or larger than normal, but it does not necessarily mean that it is. Gas (flatulence) also can be a problem if you are bloated. Common, less serious causes of bloating are eating too fast, too much, or too many fatty foods; swallowing air; pregnancy; and menstruation. Cancer and IBD (ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease) are examples of the more serious causes of bloating. Examples of foods and drinks that cause bloating are high-fiber foods if you don't eat them regularly; eventually the bloating and gassiness will resolve if you eat them on a regular basis; fatty greasy foods, dairy products (for example, cheese, ice cream, milk, and yogurt); foods high in salt (for example, processed, frozen, and canned foods), and artificial sweeteners. Some doctors and other health care professionals recommend natural remedies like chamomile or peppermint tea or pumpkin to relieve bloating. Examples of OTC medicine (medicine available without a prescription) and other products that may relieve bloating and gassiness are, Gas-X, Beano, Pepto Bismol, Metamucil, probiotics, and Ex-Lax for constipation associated with bloating. If you have persistent or severe gas and bloating, and if you have any of these symptoms see a doctor or other health care professional, shortness of breath, heart palpitations, chest pain, bloody diarrhea, fever, or if you think you are or may be pregnant.
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Melanosis Coli
Melanosis coli is a condition that is often associated with prolonged laxative use. Dark pigment forms in the wall of the large intestine as a result of wear and tear. Melanosis coli (pseudomelanosis coli) causes no symptoms and can be reversed with discontinuation of laxative use.
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Can You Pop a Hemorrhoid?
Hemorrhoids or piles are swollen, inflamed veins around the anus or lower part of the rectum (the terminal part of the large bowel). They often get better on their own within a few days, but some may need medications and even surgery to go away. You must not pop a hemorrhoid because doing so can lead to painful and serious complications. You must always consult your doctor for a definitive diagnosis and treatment.
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Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
Selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First Databank, Inc. This copyrighted material has been downloaded from a licensed data provider and is not for distribution, except as may be authorized by the applicable terms of use.
CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.