Medication guide
Sennosides / Senna
- Generic name
- Sennosides / Senna
- Common brand names
- Senokot, Ex-Lax
- Medication class
- Stimulant laxative
Overview
Its medication class is Stimulant laxative. Common uses include Short-term constipation relief. Product forms and labels can differ, so follow the specific package instructions and ask a pharmacist or qualified healthcare professional about individual questions.
How to Take it
- Route
- Oral stimulant/stool-softening laxative.
- Time of day
- Prefer evening or before travel/known delayed bowel days.
- With food/water
- Take with full water dose; do not take on empty stomach in low-hydration states.
- Preparation
- Swallow complete tablets/capsules unless liquid is specified.
- Safe dose
- Lowest effective single dose first.
- Max dose
- Stay within label and do not use >7 days without review unless labeled.
- Frequency
- Usually once daily, some products 1–2x/day.
- Other recommendations
- Stop and seek care with severe pain, no stool, or blood with stool.
Common uses
- Short-term constipation relief
Common side effects
- Abdominal cramping
- diarrhea
- nausea
- headache
- dizziness
- and muscle weakness with prolonged use
Important warnings
- Intended for short-term use only; chronic use may cause electrolyte depletion and colonic atony. Avoid in bowel obstruction, undiagnosed severe abdominal pain, and severe dehydration. Use caution in patients with arrhythmia risk.
General interactions information
Electrolyte shifts can affect cardiac and antidiabetic therapy
Sources / references
- Senna — MedlinePlus
U.S. National Library of Medicine
These references offer further reading. A source link does not establish that a clinician has reviewed every statement in this guide.
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