What is Senna?
Senna may also be called Cassia Fan Xie Ye, Alejandrina, Sene, Sennae, and Tinnevelly.Senna is believed to be beneficial in alternative medicine to treat occasional constipation in children and adults aged 2 or more years. 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 studies are the loss of weight, irritable bowel syndrome, hemorrhoids, and anal fissures (tears in the anus's lining), as well as after rectal or anal surgical procedures.
It isn't certain if it is efficient in treating any medical problem. Medical use of this drug is not accepted by the FDA. Senna is not to be used to replace medications that are prescribed by your doctor.
Senna is commonly marketed as a supplement to herbal remedies. There aren't any regulated 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. The best herbal and health supplements are purchased from a reputable source to reduce the risk of contamination.Senna can also be used to achieve purposes not mentioned in this product guide.
Similar/related drugs
Miralax, Erythromycin, Colace, Docusate, Bisacodyl, Senna, and Magnesium Oxide
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 symptoms of hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of your lips, face, and tongue.
Senna may cause serious side effects. Stop using the drug and consult your doctor right away in case you suffer from
- Rectal bleeding from the rectal
- No bowel movements within 12 hours after taking senna,
- Lower potassium level—leg cramps, constipation, and irregular heartbeats. You may also feel a flutter in your chest, more thirst, or more urination. You may also experience numbness, the sensation of tingling, muscle weakness, or a sluggish feeling.
Constipation may be one of the more frequently reported results of the senna. More minor side effects might be more common, and there may be no side effects whatsoever.
This isn't an exhaustive list of possible side effects, and other effects may also be present. Contact your physician for advice regarding medical effects. You can report any side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Warnings
Follow all the instructions on the label of the product and the package. Be sure to inform your healthcare professionals about your medical issues, allergies, and all medications you take.
Prior to use this drug
It is not recommended to take Senna. If you have an allergy to the chemical or are suffering from:
- Diarrhea or loose stool;
- Severe stomach pain;
- Swelling or blockage of the digestive tract (stomach and intestines);
- Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, appendicitis
- Hemorrhoids; anal prolapse
- If you are dehydrated.
Talk to a pharmacist, doctor, or other healthcare professional to determine if it's safe to take this medication. If you've had:
- An unbalanced electrolyte (such as, for example, low potassium levels in the blood);
- Any change in bowel habits that lasts longer than two weeks
- Long-term bowel problems;
- Coronary disease
- Stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting.
Consult a physician before taking this medication if you are breastfeeding or pregnant.
Certain forms of senna are designed to be used by 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, make sure you seek the advice of your physician. You might also think about consulting an expert who has been trained on the use of health and herbal supplements.
If you decide to use Senna, do so according to the instructions on the packaging or as recommended by your pharmacist, doctor, or any other healthcare professional. Use less of this product than what is indicated on the package.You should chew the chewable tablet prior to taking it in.Make sure to measure the liquid medicine with care. Use the dosing needle provided or use a dose-measuring device (not the kitchen spoon).
Senna is likely to cause the bowel to move between 6 and 12 hours after taking it.Do not mix different forms that contain senna (such as liquid and tablets) in the same order without medical assistance. 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 digestive tract to cease functioning properly. Prolonged use can also result in an electrolyte imbalance that is serious. Certain electrolyte imbalances could cause heart issues, muscle weakness, liver damage, and other negative effects.Contact your doctor. If your constipation doesn't improve after one week of taking Senna or if the constipation worsens,Maintain at room temperature and away 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. 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 food restrictions or beverages.
Interaction with other drugs
Don't take Senna without medical advice if 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 affect the senna effect, such as prescription and other over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal products. There are many possible interactions between drugs that are listed in this article.
