Senna Laxative: Uses, Side Effects, and More

Senna is a widely available and commonly used over-the-counter laxative for occasional constipation. It is sold under brand names such as Ex-Lax, Fletcher’s Laxative for Kids, Nature’s Remedy, Senokot, X-Prep, and others. Please continue reading to learn more about this medication and its safe use.

What is constipation?

Constipation is a condition that causes hard and dry bowel movements or stools that are difficult to pass. Having less than three bowel movements per week is also an indicator of constipation. However, bowel habits can vary among people. Some people have one or more bowel movements daily, while it’s normal for certain people to have a bowel movement only two or three times a week. So as long as this is your normal bowel habit and you don’t experience any pain or discomfort, there is typically no cause for concern.

It is a common condition that affects 16% of adults in the US. Among geriatric patients, constipation is even more common, with 1 in 3 people over the age of 60 having constipation.

What is senna? How does it work?

Senna, also called sennosides, is a natural stimulant laxative made from the fruits and leaves of the senna plant. Stimulant laxatives work by increasing the activity in the intestines to help push out stools.

What is senna laxative good for?

Senna laxative is good for constipation episodes that occur periodically. It is also used to empty the bowels before surgeries and medical procedures. Therefore, senna is classified as a stimulant laxative.

Keep in mind that senna is not a stool softener, though it is sometimes used with one to help the bowel movement be less painful.

Senna should only be used in adults and children two years and older.

When should I take senna laxatives?

Senna usually causes a bowel movement 6-12 hours after you take a dose. Therefore, most people find it useful to take senna at night so that they have a bowel movement the next morning.

Senna comes in various dosage forms, such as tablets, chewable tablets, oral liquid, granules, and powder to take by mouth. Read the instructions on the package carefully and take it exactly as advised. Do not take a larger dose or take it more frequently than mentioned on the package.

How long does senna take to work?

Most people will have a bowel movement 6-12 hours after taking senna.

Is it safe to take senna laxative daily?

Senna is available over-the-counter without a doctor’s prescription. You can take it to relieve occasional constipation without having to be seen by a healthcare provider. However, senna should not be used to treat constipation for more than 2 weeks unless advised by your doctor. Chronic use of senna can result in your bowels relying on it and becoming unable to work normally.

If your constipation does not improve after a week of taking senna, call your health care professional. There may be an underlying medical problem that cannot be treated with an over-the-counter laxative such as senna.

Senna is typically safe for most healthy people, and it is an effective and convenient way to relieve occasional constipation. However, you should not start self-medicating with senna if you also experience stomach pain that is not caused by bloating, nausea, and vomiting. Let your doctor know if you experience these symptoms, along with constipation.

Your healthcare provider can perform a physical examination, order blood tests and imaging studies, and do other investigations to find out if there is a medical condition causing chronic constipation.

What are the side effects of senna laxative?

Stomach cramp is one of the most common side effects of senna. Other possible side effects of senna include stomach pain and discomfort, diarrhea, and red or brown-colored urine. Tell your doctor if a side effect is severe or persists after a few days. The urine discoloration is typically harmless and goes away after you stop treatment.

Other side effects of senna can be more serious. Call your doctor immediately if you develop rectal bleeding or see blood in your stool after taking senna.

As mentioned, senna is not recommended for long-term use. High doses and prolonged use of senna can lead to more serious side effects like an electrolyte imbalance, leading to liver damage and heart problems in severe cases.

When to see a doctor for constipation?

See your healthcare provider for medical advice if your constipation lasts more than 3-4 weeks. You should see a doctor immediately if constipation is accompanied by severe stomach pain, blood in the stool, a sudden change in bowel habits that lasts more than 2 weeks, or unexplained weight loss. Call your doctor if you have symptoms of dehydration, such as confusion, vomiting, increased thirst, or decreased urination.

What special precautions should I take while using senna?

Allergic reactions

Tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction to senna laxatives, other laxatives, or any other drugs.

Drug interactions

Taking senna with certain other medicines may result in severe adverse side effects or other harmful effects. Give your doctor and pharmacist a complete list of your medications, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, dietary supplements, and herbal products, to avoid potentially dangerous drug interactions.

Dosage

The recommended dose of senna for adults and children 12 years of age and above is 2 tablets once a day, and 4 tablets twice a day as the maximum daily dose.

The recommended dose for children between 6 and 11 years of age is 1 tablet once a day, up to a maximum dose of 2 tablets twice a day.

Children between 2 and 5 years old should take one-half tablet once a day and 1 tablet twice a day as the maximum daily dose.

Do not give this medicine to a child under 2 years of age without talking to a doctor.

Check the labels of other OTC laxatives and make sure you do not take more than the recommended dose of senna from multiple products.

If you are taking the oral liquid, use a dose-measuring cup to measure the dose accurately rather than a regular household spoon. High doses and chronic use of senna can lead to side effects like stomach cramps and laxative dependence, where your bowels stop functioning on their own.

Senna may pose a risk to an unborn baby or affect a nursing infant. Check with your doctor before taking senna if you are pregnant or breast feeding.

Missed dose

Senna is usually taken on an as-needed basis. If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not take two doses together to make up for a missed dose.