Senna Risks, Warnings, and Complications

Precautions Before Starting Senna

Tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had an allergic reaction to senna, any of the active or inactive ingredients in senna, or any other medications. Inactive ingredients in senna products may include magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, dicalcium phosphate, and others. Your pharmacy can give you a full list of ingredients and further information.

Give your doctor and pharmacist a complete list of your medications, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. This can help avoid possible interactions between your medications. Tell your doctor if you take mineral oil laxatives. Your dose may need to be adjusted.

Give your doctor a complete medical history. Senna may not be right for people with certain medical conditions.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breast feeding. 

If you are an older adult (age 65 years and older), ask a doctor about the benefits versus risks of taking senna. There may be other safer medications to treat your constipation.

Precautions During Use of Senna

Senna is for occasional constipation. Do not take senna for more than one week unless directed by a doctor. If you do not have a bowel movement even after taking senna, call your doctor.

Certain senna products such as Ex Lax and Perdiem Overnight Relief should be taken at least 2 hours away from other medications.

Tell your doctor if you develop stomach pain, cramps, nausea, or a sudden change in bowel habits while you are taking senna. If you develop rectal bleeding, stop taking senna and seek emergency medical help or contact your doctor without delay. 

Call your doctor if you become pregnant while on senna.

Senna Drug Interactions

Certain other drugs can affect how senna works. Possible interactions between senna and other medicines can increase the risk of severe adverse reactions.

Some medicines that may interact with senna include:

• Diuretics or water pills
• Heart medicines like digoxin
• Steroid medicines

This is not a complete list of interactions. Give your doctor and pharmacist a list of all your medications, including prescription drugs, OTC (non-prescription) medications, dietary supplements, and herbal remedies. Also, tell your healthcare professionals if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use recreational drugs because some of these substances can cause serious health complications when used with medications and supplements.