What is Senna?
Senna may also be called cassia fanxie ye, alejandrina, sene, sennae, and tinnevelly.senna is believed to be an effective alternative medicine to treat occasional constipation in children and adults who are at least 2 years old. Senna is often used with another stool softener, such as lactulose, psyllium, docusate, or mineral oil.
Senna may be beneficial as a stool preparation prior to colonoscopy.other indications that aren't supported by the study include loss of weight, irritable bowel syndrome, hemorrhoids, anal fissures (tears in the anus's lining), or following a rectal or anal surgical procedure.
It isn't certain if the use of senna can be beneficial in treating any particular medical issue. The medicinal use of this product is not approved by the fda. Senna is not recommended as a substitute for medications recommended by your physician.
Senna is commonly marketed as a supplement to herbal remedies. There are no controlled manufacturing guidelines in place for many herbal ingredients, and some of the supplements that are sold have been identified as having contamination with poisonous metals or other substances. Health supplements and herbal remedies should be bought from a reputable source to avoid the possibility of contamination.senna could also be used to achieve purposes that are not covered in this guideline for products.
Similar/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 symptoms of hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of your lips, face, or tongue.
Senna may cause serious side effects. Stop taking senna and contact your doctor immediately in case you suffer from:
- Bleeding in the rectal area;
- There is no bowel movement for 12 hours after taking senna.
- Lower potassium level—leg cramps, constipation, and irregular heartbeats. You may also feel a flutter within your chest or an increase in thirst or urination. You may also experience numbness, tenderness in muscles, or a limb sensation.
Constipation can be the most frequently reported adverse effect of the senna. More minor side effects might be more common, and you might not experience any whatsoever.
This is not a comprehensive list of possible side effects, and other effects may also be present. Consult your physician to seek medical advice on the effects. You can report any adverse reactions to the fda at 1-800-fda-1088.
Warnings
Follow the directions on the label and on the packaging. Be sure to inform your health care providers about your medical issues, allergies, and any other medications you take.
Prior to use this drug
It is best not to take senna. If you have an allergy to the chemical or suffer from:
- Diarrhea or loose stool;
- Severe stomach pain;
- An obstruction or swelling in the stomach or intestines (stomach or the intestines);
- Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, appendicitis
- Hemorrhoids; anal prolapse
- If you are dehydrated.
Talk to a pharmacist, doctor, or other healthcare professional about whether it is safe to take this medication in the event that you've ever:
- 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;
- Coronary disease
- Stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting.
Consult a physician before using this medication if you are nursing or pregnant.
Certain forms of senna are designed for children. Don't give any herbal or health supplement to a child without the guidance of a physician.
How to take Senna?
If you are considering using herbal supplements, you should seek guidance from your physician. It is also possible to consult someone who has received training on the use of health and herbal supplements.
If you decide to use 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 of this drug than suggested according to the package.you should chew the chewable tablet prior to taking it in.take care when measuring liquid medicines. Use the syringe for dosing or a dosage-measuring device (not an ordinary spoon).
Senna is likely to cause an intestinal movement within six to twelve hours following the time you took it.don't mix different formulations of senna (such as liquid and tablets) in the same order without medical guidance. Combining different formulations increases the chance of having an overdose of the senna.
Senna could be dangerous when taken for prolonged periods or in large doses. Senna use for more than 2 weeks can cause the bowels to cease functioning properly. In the long run, it could cause an electrolyte imbalance that is serious. Certain electrolyte imbalances could cause muscle weakness, heart issues, liver damage, and other adverse effects.contact your doctor. If your constipation doesn't improve after one week of taking senna or if your constipation becomes worse,maintain at room temperature, far from heat, humidity, and light.
What happens if i miss the dose?
Do not miss the missed dose if you are nearing the time to take your next prescribed dose. Don't use any extra medication to replace the missed dose.
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 food restrictions or beverages.
Interaction with other drugs
Take senna only with medical advice if taking any of the following medicines:
- Birth control tablets as well as hormone replacement therapy
- Digoxin (lanoxin);
- A diuretic (water pill)
- Warfarin (coumadin, jantoven).
This list is not comprehensive. Other medications could influence senna, such as medications that are prescribed and available over the counter, vitamins, and herbal products. There are many possible interactions between drugs that are listed here.
