What is Senna?
Senna can also be called Cassia Fan Xie Ye, Alejandrina, Sene, Sennae, and Tinnevelly.Senna is believed to be an effective alternative medicine to treat occasional constipation in adults and children aged 2 or more years. Senna can be used in conjunction with a stool softener, such as lactulose, psyllium, docusate, or mineral oil.
Senna could be beneficial as an intestinal preparation prior to colonoscopy.Other indications that aren't supported by the study 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 operations.
It isn't known for certain if it is efficient in treating any medical problem. The medical use of this drug is not recognized by the FDA. Senna is not to be used as a substitute for medications that are prescribed by your doctor.
Senna is commonly marketed as a supplement to herbal remedies. There aren't any regulated manufacturing standards for a variety of herbal compounds, and some of the supplements that are sold have been identified as having 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 also be used to achieve purposes that are not covered in this guideline for products.
Similar or related drugs
Miralax, Erythromycin, Colace, Docusate, Bisacodyl, Senna, and Magnesium Oxide
Side effects of Senna
See a doctor immediately. If you are experiencing 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. If you experience:
- Bleeding in the rectal area;
- There is no bowel movement for 12 hours after taking Senna.
- Low potassium level: leg cramps, constipation, irregular heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, more thirst or urination You may also experience numbness, tenderness in muscles, or a limb sensation.
Constipation is the most frequent result of senna. More minor side effects might be more likely, or there may be no side effects whatsoever.
This isn't an exhaustive list of all the side effects. Other effects may also be present. Contact your doctor to seek medical advice on the effects. You can report adverse reactions to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Warnings
Follow the instructions on the product's label and the package. Be sure to inform your health care providers about your allergies, medical conditions, and all medications you take.
Prior to use this drug
You shouldn't take Senna in case you are allergic to it or suffer from:
- Diarrhea or loose stool;
- Severe stomach pain;
- Swelling or blockage of the digestive tract (stomach or the intestines);
- Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, appendicitis
- Hemorrhoids; anal prolapse
- If you are dehydrated.
Consult a pharmacist, doctor, or any other healthcare professional about whether it is 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 more than two weeks;
- Long-term bowel problems;
- Coronary disease
- Stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting.
Consult a physician before using this medicine if you are nursing or pregnant.
Certain forms of senna are designed to be used by 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, you should seek the advice of your physician. You might also think about consulting an expert who has been trained in the use of herbal or health 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 is suggested according to the package.
It is essential to chew the tablet thoroughly before swallowing it.Take care when measuring liquid medicines. Make use of the dosing syringe supplied or a dosage-measuring device (not the kitchen spoon).Senna will cause an intestinal movement within between 6 and 12 hours following the time you took it.
Do not mix different forms that contain senna (such as liquid and tablets) simultaneously without medical assistance. Utilizing multiple formulations at the same time can increase the risk of an overdose of the senna.
Senna can be harmful 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. 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 adverse effects.Consult your physician. If your constipation doesn't improve after one week of taking Senna or if the constipation worsens,Keep 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 you to take your next prescribed dose. Do not take extra medication in an attempt to make up for missed dosage.
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 about any food restrictions, drinks, food, or any activity.
Interaction with other drugs
Take Senna only with medical advice if taking any of the following medicines:
- Birth pills for control and hormone therapy
- Digoxin (Lanoxin);
- A diuretic (water pill)
- Warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven).
This list isn't complete. Other medications could interfere with Senna. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. There are many possible interactions between drugs that are listed here.
