What is Senna?
Senna can also be referred to as cassia fan xie ye, alejandrina, sene, sennae, and tinnevelly.
Senna is believed to be 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 different laxative or stool softener, such as lactulose, psyllium, docusate, or mineral oil.senna may be efficient as a stool preparation prior to colonoscopy.
Other indications that aren't supported by studies are the loss of 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 efficient in treating any medical problem. The medical use of this drug is not recognized by the fda. Senna is not recommended as a substitute for medications that are prescribed by your physician.
Senna is typically sold as a supplement to herbal remedies. There aren't any regulated manufacturing standards for many herbal ingredients, and some supplements sold on the market have been discovered to contain contamination with harmful metals or substances. Health supplements and herbal remedies should be bought from a trusted source to avoid the possibility of contamination.senna could also be used to achieve purposes that are not covered in this guide.
Side effects of senna
Contact a medical professional immediately. Get medical attention immediately if you notice symptoms or warning signs of an allergic response, such as hives, difficulty breathing, and swelling of your lips, face, tongue, throat, or face.senna may cause serious side effects. Stop taking senna and contact your doctor right away in case you suffer from:
- Bleeding from the rectal
- No bowel movements within 12 hours after taking senna,
- Low potassium level: leg cramps, constipation, irregular heartbeats, fluttering within your chest, an increase in thirst or urination, numbness, tenderness in muscles, or a sluggish feeling.
Constipation can be the most frequently reported result of senna. More minor side effects might be more common, and there may be no side effects whatsoever.
This list does not represent all possible side effects; others could arise. For medical advice on adverse reactions, please reach out to your physician. Furthermore, any suspected side effects should be reported directly to the fda at 1-800-fda-1088.
Warnings
Follow the instructions on the label and on the packaging. Be sure to inform your healthcare professionals about your medical issues, allergies, and any other medications you take.
Prior to use this drug
You shouldn't make use of senna in case you are allergic to the chemical or suffer from:
- Diarrhea or loose stool;
- Severe stomach pain;
- An obstruction or swelling in the stomach or intestines (stomach and intestines);
- Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, appendicitis
- Hemorrhoids; anal prolapse
- If you are dehydrated.
Talk to a doctor, pharmacist, or other 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 a low level of potassium present in the blood);
- Any change in bowel habits that lasts more than two weeks
- Long-term bowel problems;
- Coronary disease
- Stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting.
Talk to your doctor prior to taking this medication 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 an experienced doctor.
How to take senna?
If you're considering taking herbal supplements, make sure you seek the advice of your physician. It is also possible to consult someone who is certified in the use of herbal or health supplements.
If you decide to use senna, make sure you use it according to the instructions on the packaging or as recommended by your pharmacist, doctor, or other healthcare professional. Use less of this drug than suggested by the manufacturer on its label.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 in the first 6–12 hours after taking it.don't use different forms that contain senna (such as liquid and tablets) simultaneously without medical guidance. Combining different formulations increases the chance of having an overdose of the senna.
Senna could be dangerous when used for long periods or in large doses. If you take senna for longer than two weeks, it can cause the bowels to stop functioning properly. In the long run, it could cause an imbalance in electrolytes. Unbalanced electrolytes can lead to weakness in the muscles, heart issues, liver damage, and other negative effects.
Consult your physician. If your constipation doesn't improve after a week of taking senna or if the constipation worsens,maintain at room temperature, far from heat, humidity, and light.
What happens if i miss the dose?
Do not miss your missed dose if it's close to your time to take your next prescribed dose. Don't use any extra medication to make up for the missed dose.
What happens if i overdose?
Get medical attention in an emergency or contact the poison help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should be avoided?
Follow the instructions of your physician regarding any food restrictions, drinks, food, or any activity.
Interaction with other drugs
Don't take senna unless you have medical advice if you are using any of these medicines:
- Birth control pills and hormone therapy
- Digoxin (lanoxin);
- A diuretic (water pill)
- Warfarin (coumadin, jantoven).
This list isn't complete. Other drugs can interact with senna, such as prescription or other over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal products. There are many possible interactions between drugs that are listed here.
