What is Senna?
Senna may also be referred to by the names Cassia fanxie Ye, Alejandrina, Sene, Sennae, and Tinnevelly.Senna is highly effective in alternative medicine to treat occasional constipation in adults and children who are at least 2 years old. It is often used with a stool softener, such as lactulose, psyllium, docusate, or mineral oil.
Senna could be beneficial as it could be effective as a stool preparation prior to colonoscopy.Other indications that aren't supported by studies include loss of weight, irritable bowel syndrome, hemorrhoids, and anal fissures (tears in the anus's lining) as well as after the rectal or anal surgical procedure.
It is not known if it is efficient in treating any medical problem. The medicinal use of this product is not accepted by the FDA. Senna is not recommended to replace medications that are prescribed by your physician.
Senna is commonly marketed as a supplement to herbal remedies. There aren't any regulated manufacturing standards for the majority of herbal compounds, and a few supplements sold on the market have been identified as infected with harmful metals or substances. Health supplements and herbal remedies should be bought from a trusted source to reduce the risk of contamination.
Warnings
There are a few uses for senna that were approved by the FDA. Senna is not to be used to replace medications prescribed by your doctor.
Senna is typically sold as a supplement to herbal remedies. There are no controlled manufacturing guidelines in place for a lot of herbal ingredients, and some of the supplements sold on the market have been identified as infected with harmful metals or substances. The best herbal and health supplements are purchased from a trusted source to reduce the risk of contamination.Take Senna according to the instructions on the label or as your doctor prescribes. Don't use this medication in greater quantities or for a longer period than is recommended.
Consult your physician for advice if your symptoms don't improve or become worse when taking the medication. Don't use this medication for longer than one week without consulting your healthcare professional.
Similar/related drugs
Miralax, Erythromycin, Colace, Docusate, Bisacodyl, Magnesium Oxide, and Polyethylene Glycol (3350
Prior to use this drug
It is not recommended to take Senna in case you are allergic to the chemical or suffer from:
- Diarrhea or loose stool;
- Severe stomach pain;
- Swelling or blockage of the digestive tract (stomach and intestines);
- Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and appendicitis
- Hemorrhoids, anal prolapse,
- If you are dehydrated.
Consult a pharmacist, doctor, or another healthcare provider about whether it is appropriate for you to take this medication in the event that you've ever:
- An unbalanced electrolyte (such as the low level of potassium found in your blood);
- Any change in the bowel habits that lasted more than 2 weeks
- Long-term bowel problems;
- Heart disease heart disease
- Stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting.
Consult a physician before using Senna if you are nursing or pregnant.
Certain forms of senna are specifically designed for children. Don't give any herbal or health supplement to your child without seeking the advice of medical professionals.
How to take Senna?
If you are considering using herbal supplements, make sure you seek the advice of your physician. You might also think about consulting someone who is certified in the use of herbal or health supplements.
If you choose to utilize Senna, make sure you use it according to the directions on the label or as recommended by your pharmacist, doctor, or any other healthcare provider. Use less of this product than is suggested according to the package.You should chew the tablet thoroughly before you take it in.
Take care when measuring liquid medicines. Make use of the dosing syringe supplied or a dose-measuring device (not the kitchen spoon).Senna will cause an intestinal movement within six to twelve hours following the time you took it.Don't mix various formulations (such as liquid and tablets) simultaneously without medical guidance. Utilizing multiple formulations at the same time increases the chance of suffering an overdose of the drug senna.
Senna could be dangerous when used for long periods or in large doses. If you take this medication for more than two weeks, it could cause your bowels to cease functioning properly. In the long run, it could cause an imbalance in electrolytes. Unbalanced electrolytes can lead to weakening of the heart, muscle and liver damage, and other negative effects.Consult your physician. If your constipation doesn't improve after one week or if your constipation becomes worse,Maintain at room temperature, free of heat, moisture, and light.
What happens if I miss the dose?
Don't miss your missed dosage if it's nearing the time for the next dose. Don't use any extra medication to replace the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Get medical attention in an emergency or contact the Poison Help Line toll-free at 1-800-222-1222.
What should be avoided?
Follow the advice of your doctor regarding any restrictions you may have on food, drinks, or any activity.
Side effects of Senna
Take immediate medical attention in the event that you exhibit symptoms that you are experiencing an allergic reaction due to the senna, such as itching or breathing difficulties or swelling of your lips, face, or tongue.
Stop using Senna immediately and contact your doctor right away. If you suffer from:
- Bleeding in the rectal area;
- There is no bowel movement for 12 hours after taking the senna.
- Low potassium levels Leg cramps, diarrhea, irregular heartbeats the chest fluttering with more frequent urination or thirst Tingling or numbness, muscles becoming weak or sluggish
Constipation can be the most frequently reported adverse effect of the senna. More minor side effects might be more common, and there may be no side effects whatsoever.
This isn't a complete list of possible side effects, and other side effects could be present. Consult your physician for advice regarding medical adverse effects. You can report any adverse reactions to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Interaction with other drugs
Take Senna only with medical advice if you're using any of these medicines:
- Birth control pill as well as hormone replacement therapy
- Digoxin (Lanoxin);
- A diuretic (water pill)
- Warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven).
This list isn't complete. Other medications can interfere with senna. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Some interactions with drugs are not listed here. Are included here.
