What is Senna?
Senna may also be called cassia, fan xie ye, alejandrina, sene, sennae, and tinnevelly.senna is probably beneficial in alternative medicine to treat occasional constipation in adults and children who are at least 2 years old. Senna can be used in conjunction with a stool softener like lactulose, psyllium, docusate, or mineral oil.senna may be efficient as a potential intestinal preparation prior to colonoscopy.
Other applications that have not been proven by study are losing weight, irritable bowel syndrome, hemorrhoids, anal fissures (tears in the anus's lining), or following a rectal or anal operation.
It is not known if the use of senna can be beneficial in treating any particular medical issue. 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 an herbal supplement. There aren't any regulatory manufacturing guidelines in place for many herbal ingredients, and some of the supplements that are sold have been discovered to contain contamination with harmful metals or substances. Health supplements and herbal remedies should be bought from a reputable source to reduce the risk of contamination.senna could be used for other reasons not mentioned in this product's guide.
Similar or related drugs
Miralax, erythromycin, colace, docusate, bisacodyl, senna, and magnesium oxide
Side effects of Senna
See a doctor immediately. Get medical attention immediately if you notice symptoms or warning signs of an allergic response, such as difficulty breathing, hives, and swelling of your lips, face, or tongue.
Senna may cause serious side effects. Stop taking senna immediately and consult your doctor right away. If you experience:
- Bleeding in the rectal area;
- There is no bowel movement for 12 hours after taking the senna.
- Lower potassium level: constipation, leg cramps, and irregular heartbeats. You may also feel a flutter around your chest, thirsty or increased urine, tingling or numbness, muscular weakness, or a feeling of limpness.
Constipation is a common adverse effect of the senna. More minor side effects might be more common, and you might not experience any whatsoever.
This list does not encompass all potential side effects; additional symptoms may be present. Please consult with a healthcare provider regarding adverse reactions. Any reported side effects should also be reported to fda at 1-800-fda-1088.
Warnings
Follow all the instructions on the label and on the packaging. Be sure to inform your health care providers about your medical issues, allergies, and all medications you take.
Prior to use this drug
It is best not to take senna in case you are allergic to it or suffer from:
- Diarrhea or loose stool;
- Severe stomach pain;
- Swelling or blockage of the stomach or intestines (stomach and intestines);
- Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, appendicitis
- Hemorrhoids, anal prolapse,
- If you are dehydrated.
Consult a pharmacist, doctor, or another healthcare provider about whether it is safe to take this medicine. If you've had:
- An electrical imbalance (such as the low level of potassium found in your blood);
- Any change in the bowel habits that lasts longer than two weeks;
- Long-term bowel problems;
- Heart disease
- Stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting.
Talk to your doctor prior to using this medicine if you are nursing or pregnant.
Certain forms of senna are specifically designed for children. Do not give any herb or health supplement to your child without seeking the advice of an experienced doctor.
How to take Senna?
If you're considering taking herbal supplements, you should seek advice from your physician. It is also possible to consult an expert who has been trained on the use of health and herbal supplements.
If you decide to take senna, do so according to the directions on the label or as recommended by your pharmacist, doctor, or any other healthcare professional. Don't use more than what is indicated in the package.you should chew the tablet before you take it in.
Take care when measuring liquid medicines. Make use of the syringe for dosing or a dose-measuring device (not the kitchen spoon).senna is likely to cause a bowel movement in six to twelve hours following the time you took it.don't use different forms of senna (such as liquid and tablets) in the same order without a medical prescription. Combining different formulations increases the chance of having an overdose of the senna.
Senna could be dangerous when used long-term or in large doses. If you take senna for longer than two weeks, it could cause the digestive tract to cease functioning properly. In the long run, it could cause an electrolyte imbalance that is serious. Unbalanced electrolytes can lead to muscle weakness, heart issues, liver damage, and other adverse effects.
Contact your doctor in the event that your constipation does not improve after a week of taking senna or if the constipation worsens.keep at room temperature, far from heat, humidity, and light.
What happens if i miss the dose?
Do not miss your missed dosage if you are nearing the time for the next dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for what was missed.
What happens if i overdose?
For medical emergencies, seek emergency medical attention or contact the poison help line toll-free at 1-800-222-1222.
What should be avoided?
Follow the instructions of your physician regarding any restrictions you may have on food or beverages.
Interaction with other drugs
Don't take senna unless you have medical advice if you are taking 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 could influence senna, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. There are many possible interactions between drugs that are listed here.