
Senokot (Senna) is a stimulant laxative that treats constipation and is available over the counter. It is also used to empty the bowels before certain medical procedures. It is recommended to consult a doctor before taking this medication. It is not suitable for those with intestinal blockages, inflammatory bowel disease, or allergies to senna. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should also consult a doctor before use. Side effects may include stomach pain, diarrhoea, and discolouration of urine.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
What is it used for? | To treat constipation and to empty the bowels before certain medical procedures or surgeries. |
How does it work? | It is a stimulant laxative that increases bowel movement by irritating the lining of the bowel or keeping water in the intestines. |
Who should not take it? | People who are allergic to it, have a blockage in their intestines, have inflammatory bowel disease, or have severe dehydration. |
Side effects | Stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle weakness, irregular heartbeat, dizziness, decreased urination, mental/mood changes, and more. |
Precautions | Should not be used for more than 1 week without consulting a doctor. Should not be taken within 2 hours of other medications. |
Pregnancy and breastfeeding | Considered safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding but only under the recommendation and supervision of a doctor. |
What You'll Learn
Is Senokot safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women?
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, it is always best to consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking any medication, including Senokot. While it is unlikely that Senokot will harm a nursing infant, it is always best to seek medical advice before taking any medication while breastfeeding.
Senokot is a stimulant laxative that works by keeping water in the intestines, causing movement and helping to relieve constipation. Constipation is a common issue during pregnancy, and it is important to treat it effectively to avoid further complications. While Senokot is occasionally used during pregnancy, it is recommended that you first try to treat constipation without medication, by eating more fibre, drinking plenty of fluids, and doing gentle exercise. If this does not work, your doctor or midwife may recommend a laxative such as lactulose or Fybogel, which are commonly used during pregnancy and have more evidence to support their safety.
Animal studies have shown no evidence of fetal harm caused by Senokot, and the drug is considered compatible with breastfeeding by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the WHO. However, it is always recommended that you consult a healthcare professional before taking any medication while pregnant or breastfeeding, as they can advise on the best course of treatment for your individual situation.
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What are the side effects of Senokot?
The side effects of Senokot (Senna) vary from mild to severe. It is important to note that you should not use Senokot if you are allergic to it, or if you have a blockage in your intestines, inflammatory bowel disease, or are pregnant or breastfeeding.
The common side effects of Senokot may include stomach pain, discomfort, or cramps; diarrhoea, or an urgent need to have a bowel movement; and discolouration of urine. However, this is not a complete list, and other side effects may occur.
Serious side effects may include no bowel movement within 12 hours after using Senokot, and low blood potassium, which can cause leg cramps, constipation, irregular heartbeats, fluttering in the chest, increased thirst or urination, numbness or tingling, and muscle weakness. If you experience any of these symptoms, stop using Senokot and seek medical help immediately.
In rare cases, an allergic reaction may occur, with symptoms such as hives, difficulty breathing, and swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat. If you experience any symptoms of an allergic reaction, get emergency medical help.
It is important to take Senokot exactly as directed on the label or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take more than the recommended dose, as it may cause serious side effects.
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Is Senokot safe for children?
The use of Senokot for children is dependent on several factors, including age, medical condition, and recommendation from a doctor or pharmacist.
Senna, the active ingredient in Senokot, is likely effective in treating occasional constipation in children aged 2 years and older. It is also used to empty the bowel before a colonoscopy. However, it is not recommended for children younger than 2 years old without medical advice.
Senna is available in various forms, including chewable tablets, dissolving strips, and liquid, and gummies for children. The dosage and form of Senokot for children should be carefully determined and monitored by a healthcare professional. It is important to follow the directions on the product package or as advised by a doctor.
There are potential side effects associated with the use of Senokot in children, including stomach pain, discomfort, or cramps, diarrhoea, and urine discolouration. It is important to note that Senokot should not be used for more than 7 consecutive days unless directed by a doctor.
In summary, while Senokot may be safe for children in certain circumstances, it is crucial to consult a doctor or pharmacist before administering it to children to ensure proper usage and avoid potential side effects.
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What are the alternatives to Senokot?
Senokot, or senna, is an over-the-counter laxative medication used to treat occasional constipation. It is a stimulant laxative that works by irritating the lining of the bowel, which increases bowel movement. While it is a popular treatment option, there are several alternatives available, both over the counter and by prescription.
MiraLAX
MiraLAX (polyethylene glycol 3350) is a prescription and over-the-counter medication used to treat constipation and for bowel preparation. It has a slightly lower rating than Senokot on Drugs.com, with 64% of reviewers reporting a positive effect.
Lactulose
Lactulose is another prescription medication used to treat constipation, including acute and chronic constipation, as well as hepatic encephalopathy. It also falls under the prescription and over-the-counter category. It has a similar rating to Senokot, with 67% of reviewers reporting a positive effect.
Docusate
Docusate is a stool softener that may be used to treat constipation. However, there is a lack of good-quality evidence supporting its use, and most trials have not found it to be effective. It is available over the counter and is generally considered safe for children.
Bisacodyl
Bisacodyl is another stimulant laxative that can help produce a bowel movement. It comes in formulations that are taken by mouth (e.g. tablets), which work within 6 to 12 hours, as well as a rectal suppository that takes about 15 to 60 minutes to work.
Lifestyle Changes
In addition to these medications, lifestyle changes can also help prevent or relieve constipation. These include exercising, drinking enough water, and eating a proper diet with fibre-rich foods such as bran, fresh fruits, and vegetables.
It is always recommended to consult with a doctor or healthcare provider to determine the best treatment option for your specific needs and circumstances.
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How does Senokot work?
Senokot is a medication that contains the active ingredient senna, which is a herb also known as Alexandrian Senna, Casse, Fan Xie Ye, Indian Senna, Khatoum Senna, Sen, Sena Alejandrina, Sennae Folium, Sennae Fructus, Sennosides, Tinnevelly Senna, and True Senna. It is a type of stimulant laxative that works by irritating the lining of the bowel and increasing muscle activity in the digestive system, which causes an increase in bowel movement. This medication is used to treat constipation and to empty the bowels before certain medical procedures or surgeries.
Senna is available in different forms, including tablets, liquids, and chewable tablets. The usual adult dose is 10 mL to 15 mL of syrup or 2 to 4 tablets, taken 1 or 2 times a day. It is important to follow the directions on the product package or as directed by a doctor, and to not exceed the recommended dose. Taking senna with other medications should also be avoided as it can interfere with their absorption.
Senna is generally well-tolerated, but it may cause side effects such as stomach pain, nausea, diarrhoea, and muscle cramps. It can also cause a harmless discolouration of urine. However, it is important to stop taking senna and seek medical attention if you experience any signs of an allergic reaction, such as hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Senna is considered safe for short-term use and can be purchased over the counter. However, it is always recommended to consult a doctor or healthcare provider before taking any new medication, especially if you have any pre-existing medical conditions, are pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
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