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Ex-Lax Chocolate

Generic name: Senna (pronounced “SEN-nah”).

Brand names include Ex-Lax, Ex-Lax Maximum Strength, and Ex-Lax Regular Strength Pills. Fletchers Castoria is another brand. Geri-kot is yet another.
Drug class: laxatives

What is Ex-Lax Chocolate?

Senna can also be called Cassia, Fan Xie Ye (also known as Fan Xie Ye), Sene, Sennae, and Tinnevelly.Senna may be effective as an alternative medicine for treating occasional constipation in adults and children over 2 years of age. Senna can be used in conjunction with other laxatives or stool softeners, such as lactulose, psyllium docusate, or mineral oil.Senna may be effective for preparation of the bowel prior to colonoscopy.The following uses have not been proven by research: weight reduction; irritable intestine syndrome; hemorrhoids; anal fissures (tears on the lining of the anus); or after anal and rectal surgical procedures.Senna may not be effective for treating medical conditions. The FDA has not given its approval to use of this product for medical purposes.Senna is not a substitute for medication prescribed by your doctor.Senna is sold as a herbal supplement. Many herbal compounds are not manufactured to regulated standards, and some supplements on the market have been found to be contaminated with toxic drugs or metals. To minimize the risk, herbal or health supplements must be purchased from a reputable source.Senna can be used in other ways than those listed in the product guide.

Similar/related drugs

MiraLAX, Erythromycin, Docusate, Colace, Bisacodyl, Senna, and Polyethylene Glycol (3350

Side effects of Ex-Lax Chocolate

If you experience any of the following signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficulty breathing or swelling of lips, face, tongue or throat. Seek medical assistance immediately.

Senna may cause serious side effects. If you experience:

  • Rectal bleeding
  • No bowel movements within 12 hours of using Senna
  • Low sodium level—leg cramps, constipation. Irregular heartbeats. Fluttering of the chest. Increased thirst and urination. Numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness.

Senna is most commonly associated with constipation. Your symptoms could range from minor discomforts to none at all.There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. Contacting the FDA in regards to side effects is easy - simply dial 1-800-FDA-1088!

Warnings

Please read all instructions on the label or package of your product. Inform your healthcare provider about your medical conditions, your allergies, and the medicines you are using.

Before you take this drug

Senna should not be used if:

  • Diarrhea, loose stools
  • Severe stomach pain;
  • A blockage or swelling in the digestive tract (stomach, intestines);
  • Crohn’s disease; ulcerative colitis; appendicitis
  • Hemorrhoids and anal prolapse
  • If you are dehydrated.

Have You Experienced Any of These Conditions:

  • An electrolyte imbalance is a low potassium level in the blood.
  • Any change in bowel habits lasting more than 2 weeks
  • Long-term bowel problems;
  • Heart disease
  • Stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting.

Consult your doctor before taking this medication if you're pregnant or nursing.Senna is available in forms that are suitable for children. Never give herbal or health supplements to children without consulting a doctor.

How to take Ex-Lax Chocolate?

Consult your doctor before using herbal supplements. Consult a health practitioner trained in herbal or health supplements.Use Senna only as directed by the manufacturer or your doctor. Use only the recommended amount of this product.The chewable tablet must be chewed before it can be swallowed.Measuring liquid medicine is important. Use the provided dosing device or a dose-measuring tool (not a spoon).Senna will cause a bowel motion within 6–12 hours of taking it.Use different formulations (such as liquid and tablets) of Senna only after consulting a doctor. Combining different formulations increases the risk of overdosing on Senna.Senna can be harmful when taken in large doses or for a long time. Senna use for more than two weeks can cause your bowels to not function normally. Long-term usage may cause an electrolyte imbalance that is serious. Certain electrolyte balances can lead to muscle weakness, heart issues, liver damage, and other harmful effects.Store at room temperature and avoid humidity, light and heat sources.

What happens if I miss the dose?

If the next scheduled dose is soon approaching, skip any missed ones and wait to take your scheduled medication.. You should not take extra medicine to compensate for a missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Contact 1-800-222-1222 immediately in case of poisoning and seek immediate medical advice.

What should be avoided?

If your doctor has prescribed any restrictions regarding food, beverage, or activity, follow their instructions.

Interaction with other drug

You should consult your doctor before taking Senna if you take any of these medications:

  • Hormonal replacement therapy or birth control pills
  • A diuretic;
  • Warfarin (coumadin, jantoven).

This list is incomplete. Senna may be affected by other drugs, such as vitamins and herbs. This list does not include all possible drug interactions.