
Senna is a stimulant laxative medication used to treat constipation and empty the bowels before surgery or medical procedures. It is available in various forms, including liquid, powder, granules, chewable tablets, and regular tablets, and can be taken once or twice daily. It typically takes effect within 6 to 12 hours, so it is often taken at bedtime to encourage a bowel movement the next day. It is important to follow the directions on the package or prescription label and not to exceed the recommended duration of use without consulting a doctor. Senna should also not be given to children without prior consultation with a healthcare professional.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Forms | Liquid, powder, granules, chewable pieces, tablets, tea |
How to take | By mouth, with a glass of water; chewable tablets should be chewed well, liquid form should be measured with a special device/cup, not a household spoon |
Frequency | Once or twice daily |
Timing | In the evening, before bedtime, to produce a bowel movement the next day |
Duration | No longer than 1 week without consulting a doctor |
Effect | Takes 6-12 hours to have an effect |
Side effects | Brown discolouration of urine, stomach pain or cramps, diarrhoea, nausea, weakness, muscle cramps, irregular heartbeat, dizziness, decreased urination, mental/mood changes, allergic reaction |
Precautions | Do not take if you have stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, or a sudden change in bowel movements lasting more than 2 weeks; do not take for longer than directed without consulting a doctor; do not take if you are pregnant or breastfeeding without consulting a doctor |
What You'll Learn
- Senna is available as a liquid, powder, granules, chewable pieces, and tablets
- Senna is not suitable for children under 12 years old
- Senna may cause side effects such as brown urine, stomach pain, and diarrhoea
- Senna is not recommended for long-term use due to the risk of dependency
- Senna is best taken in the evening to produce a bowel movement the next day
Senna is available as a liquid, powder, granules, chewable pieces, and tablets
Senna is available in a variety of forms, including liquid, powder, granules, chewable pieces, and tablets. Here is some information on how to take each form:
Liquid Senna
Senna liquid is typically measured carefully using a dosing syringe or a medicine dose-measuring device. It should not be measured with a kitchen spoon as this will not provide an accurate dose. The usual dose for adults and children aged 12 and over is one or two 5ml spoonfuls (7.5mg or 15mg) of syrup at bedtime. For children aged 4 to 12 years old, the dose is 2.5ml (half a 5ml spoonful) to two 5ml spoonfuls at bedtime. Senna liquid usually takes about 6 to 12 hours to work, so it is typically taken at bedtime to produce a bowel movement the next day.
Powdered Senna
Powdered senna should be measured carefully and taken as directed on the package or by a healthcare provider. It is typically taken once or twice daily and should not be taken for more than 1 week without consulting a doctor.
Granules
Granules are another form of senna that can be measured and taken orally. Follow the directions on the package or as advised by a healthcare professional.
Chewable Pieces
Senna chewable pieces must be chewed before swallowing. It is important to follow the directions on the package or as instructed by a healthcare provider regarding dosage and frequency.
Tablets
Senna tablets should be swallowed whole with a glass of water. Do not split, chew, or crush the tablets unless instructed otherwise. The usual dose for adults and children aged 12 and over is one or two 7.5mg or 15mg tablets at bedtime. For children aged 6 to 17 years old, the usual dose is one 7.5mg tablet at bedtime.
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Senna is not suitable for children under 12 years old
Senna is a stimulant laxative medication used to treat constipation. It is available over the counter without a prescription and can be taken as a liquid, powder, granules, chewable pieces, and tablets. It is not suitable for children under 12 years old.
Senna is not recommended for children under 12 years old because laxatives should only be given to children on the advice of a doctor or a healthcare professional experienced in managing constipation in children. If your child is vomiting while constipated, do not give them senna as it could be a sign of obstruction or a blockage in their bowels caused by a buildup of stool. Instead, contact your doctor for advice.
If your child is constipated, their stools are likely to be hard and painful to pass. Sometimes, a child may try to hold the stool in because of previous pain when going to the toilet. Constipation can also make your child feel unwell. Your doctor will probably prescribe an osmotic laxative first to soften the stool, and then senna can be used to help your child pass the softened stool.
It is important that your child takes senna regularly, as it may take some time for the constipation to improve. Senna usually takes 6 to 12 hours to have an effect, so it is best taken in the evening to produce a bowel movement the next day.
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Senna may cause side effects such as brown urine, stomach pain, and diarrhoea
Senna is a stimulant laxative used to treat constipation. It is available as a liquid, powder, granules, chewable pieces, and tablets. It is typically taken once or twice daily and produces a bowel movement within 6 to 12 hours. However, it is important to follow the directions on the package or prescription label and not to exceed the recommended dosage or duration of use without consulting a doctor.
One important consideration when taking senna is the potential for side effects. Senna may cause side effects such as brown urine, stomach pain, and diarrhoea. These side effects are relatively common, occurring in more than 1 in 100 people. Individuals with constipation related to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are particularly likely to experience stomach cramps and diarrhoea. If you experience diarrhoea while taking senna, it is recommended to stop taking the medication.
The brown discolouration of urine caused by senna is harmless and typically returns to normal after treatment cessation. However, it is important to be aware of this potential side effect to avoid confusion or concern.
In addition to the aforementioned side effects, senna may also cause a serious allergic reaction in rare cases. Symptoms of an allergic reaction may include swelling of the lips, mouth, throat, or tongue, respiratory distress, throat tightness, skin discolouration, confusion, dizziness, and rash. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.
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Senna is not recommended for long-term use due to the risk of dependency
Senna is a stimulant laxative that can be taken as a liquid, powder, granules, chewable pieces, or tablets. It is used to treat constipation and clear the bowel before medical procedures such as colonoscopies. While it is effective in providing short-term relief for constipation, it is not recommended for long-term use due to the risk of dependency.
The active ingredient in senna is called sennosides, which irritate the lining of the colon and bowel, promoting contractions and bowel movements. Sennosides also prevent the colon from reabsorbing water and electrolytes, increasing the amount of fluid in the intestines and softening the stool. This mechanism can lead to an increased risk of diarrhea and an electrolyte imbalance, which can cause severe health problems such as muscle spasms or twitching and even seizures.
Long-term use of senna can lead to laxative dependency, as the intestines may lose their normal activity and become unable to function properly without the continued use of senna. This can result in the need for higher doses of senna over time, which can further increase the risk of adverse side effects. In addition, long-term use of senna has been linked to liver damage, which typically occurs after three to five months of use.
Therefore, it is important to follow the directions on the package or as advised by a healthcare professional when taking senna. It should not be taken for more than one week without medical supervision. If constipation persists or worsens, it is recommended to consult a doctor.
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Senna is best taken in the evening to produce a bowel movement the next day
Senna is a natural laxative that treats constipation by increasing intestinal activity and stimulating the muscles in the gut. It is typically taken orally in the form of a liquid, powder, granules, chewable pieces, or tablets. It is recommended to take Senna at bedtime to produce a bowel movement the next day. This is because Senna usually takes effect within 6 to 12 hours, so taking it in the evening ensures that it works while one is asleep, making it convenient and comfortable.
Senna is best taken in the evening for a few reasons. Firstly, it allows for a regular bowel movement in the morning without disrupting one's daily routine. Taking it at night also means that one can experience its effects while asleep, which can be more comfortable and private. Additionally, taking Senna before bed ensures that it has sufficient time to work without interference from food or drink, as it is recommended to take certain Senna products at least 2 hours before or after meals.
The recommended dosage for adults is 17.2 mg of Sennosides by mouth, once or twice daily. It is important to follow the directions on the package or prescription label and consult a doctor or pharmacist for clarification if needed. Senna should not be taken for more than a week without medical supervision as long-term use can lead to laxative dependence and bowel dysfunction.
It is also important to note that Senna may cause side effects such as stomach discomfort, cramps, and diarrhoea. These side effects are usually mild and temporary. However, long-term or excessive use of Senna has been linked to more severe side effects, including liver damage and changes in heart rhythm. Therefore, it is crucial to use Senna as directed and under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
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Frequently asked questions
Senna is a stimulant laxative that encourages the muscles in the bowel to move stools through the body. It also prevents water and electrolytes from being reabsorbed from the colon, increasing fluid in the intestines and softening the stool.
Senna usually takes 6 to 12 hours to have an effect. It is best taken in the evening so that it works overnight, and you can have a bowel movement in the morning.
Senna may cause stomach pain or cramps, diarrhoea, nausea, and weakness. It may also cause urine to turn reddish-brown, but this is harmless. More severe side effects include electrolyte disturbances, changes in heart rhythm, and liver damage.
The dosage of Senna depends on your age, medical condition, and response to treatment. The usual adult dose is two to four 7.5 mg tablets or two to four 5 ml spoonfuls (10-20 ml) of liquid medicine once a day. Do not take it for more than a week without consulting a doctor.