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Ex-Lax Maximum Strength

Generic name: Senna [SEN-nah]
Brand names: Ex Lax, Ex Lax Maximum Strength, and Ex-Lax Regular Strength Pills. Fletchers Castoria. Geri-kot.
Drug class: laxatives

What is Ex-Lax Maximum Strength?

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 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 their blessing to this product being used medically. 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.

Side effects of Ex-Lax Maximum Strength

If you experience any of the following signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficulty breathing and swelling of lips, face, tongue and throat. Please 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.You're side effects could range from minor to none at all.There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. Reaching out to the FDA to report adverse reactions is simple - dial 1-800-FDA-1088 now!

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?:

  • 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 a herbal supplement or health product to a young child without consulting a doctor.

How to take Ex-Lax Maximum Strength?

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. Some electrolyte imbalances can lead to muscle weakness, heart issues, liver damage, and other adverse effects.If your constipation doesn't improve within a week after using Senna or if it gets worse, call your doctor.Store away from moisture, heat and light at room temperature for maximum shelf life.

What happens if I miss the dose?

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

What happens if I overdose?

Reach out for poison advice immediately by dialing the National Poison Help Hotline: 1-800-222-1222, or seek medical attention right away.

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
  • Digoxin (lanoxin);
  • 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.