Sennosides (Senokot) Tips from Pharmacists

• Call your doctor if your constipation is accompanied by abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or a sudden change in bowel habits.

• Tell your doctor if your constipation lasts more than a week, even after taking laxatives. Do not take sennosides for more than one week without consulting your healthcare provider.

• It is best to take sennosides at bedtime for overnight relief of constipation. (This medication causes bowel movements in around 6-12 hours).

• Use a dose-measuring device (cup or syringe) to measure liquid medicine. Do not use a regular household spoon as this can result in wrong dosing.

• Read the package label of OTC constipation relief products. Many products contain sennosides, and taking two or more products together could result in an overdose. 

• Eat a fiber-rich diet, stay well hydrated, and get regular physical exercise.