senna (sennosides)

Senna is a natural medicine derived from the senna plant. Senna contains sennosides which acts as a stimulant laxative. It works by irritating and stimulating intestinal cells, producing contractions in intestines, water influx to the intestines and bowel movement.

Senokot, Senokot EXTRA and others

GENERIC AVAILABLE: Yes

No

Side effects of sennosides are:

• abdominal pain,
• diarrhea,
• electrolyte imbalance,
• nausea,
• urine discoloration, and
• finger clubbing from long-term use.

• Adults and children 12 years of age and over: The recommended starting dose is to use two 8.6 mg tablets by mouth once a day; maximum daily dose is 100 mg.
• Children 6 to 12 years of age: The recommended starting dose is to use one 8.6 mg by mouth once a day; maximum daily dose 50 mg a day.
• Children 2 to 6 years of age: The recommended dose is 4.3 to 17.2 mg per day.
• Safe and effective use of sennosides is not established in children younger than 2 years of age.

Sennosides should be cautiously in patients taking digoxin (Lanoxin). Sennosides can lower potassium levels, causing digoxin toxicity.

There are no adequate studies done on sennosides to determine safe and effective use in pregnant women.

It is not known whether sennosides enters breast milk; therefore, it is best to be cautious before using it in nursing mothers.

What preparations of sennosides A&B-oral tablet are available?

Tablets: 8.6, 15, 25 mg; Chewable Tablet: 10, 15 mg; Liquid or Syrup: 8.8 mg/5 ml; Concentrated oral drops: 8.8 mg/ml

How should I keep sennosides A&B-oral tablet stored?

Store sennosides tablets between 15 C to 30 C (59 F to 86 F).