Senna

Senna is a natural laxative derived from the fruit (pod) or leaf of the Senna alexandrina plant. It is commonly used for the short-term treatment of constipation. Senna contains chemicals called sennosides, which irritate the lining of the bowel, leading to a laxative effect

Usage

Senna is a natural laxative derived from the fruit (pod) or leaf of the Senna alexandrina plant. It contains chemicals called sennosides, which irritate the lining of the bowel and stimulate the muscles in the gut, leading to a laxative effect. Senna is commonly used for the short-term treatment of constipation in both adults and children

In addition to treating constipation, senna may also be used to empty the bowels before certain medical procedures, such as colonoscopy. Some people also use senna for conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), hemorrhoids, and weight loss, although more research is needed to support these uses.

Senna is available in various forms, including liquids, tablets, and teas, and can be found over the counter at drugstores, groceries, and nutrition stores. It is generally recommended for short-term use and should not be used for an extended period without consulting a healthcare provider

While senna is generally safe and well-tolerated, it may cause side effects such as brown discoloration of urine, faintness, stomach discomfort, nausea, and stomach cramps. These side effects are usually mild and temporary. However, if you experience rectal bleeding or no bowel movement within 12 hours after using senna, it is important to stop taking it and consult your doctor.

Dosage

For self-treatment (over-the-counter products):

Adults and children aged 12 years and over: 1 or 2 tablets (7.5mg or 15mg) at bedtime or one or two 5ml spoonfuls (7.5mg or 15mg) of syrup at bedtime 1.
Start with a lower dose and increase if needed, up to a maximum of 2 tablets or two 5ml spoonfuls at bedtime 1.

For prescribed tablets:

Adults aged 18 years and over: two 7.5mg tablets, taken once a day at bedtime 1.
Children aged 6 to 17 years: one 7.5mg tablet, taken once a day at bedtime 1.

Side Effects

Senna, a natural laxative derived from the Senna alexandrina plant, is generally safe for short-term use in relieving occasional constipation. However, it may cause some side effects, including:

Stomach discomfort and cramps
Diarrhea
Brown discoloration of urine
Faintness
Nausea

These side effects are usually mild and temporary. However, if you experience rectal bleeding or no bowel movement within 12 hours after using senna, it is important to stop taking it and consult your doctor immediately.

Precaution

Allergies: If you are allergic to senna, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in senna products, you should avoid using them. It's always a good idea to check with your doctor or pharmacist if you have any concerns about allergies or potential interactions with other medications you are taking.
Medication Interactions: Senna may interact with certain medications, including birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy, diuretics (water pills), and warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven). It's important to inform your healthcare provider about all the medications, vitamins, and herbal products you are taking to avoid any potential interactions.
Pediatric Use: Senna is generally considered safe for use in children aged 2 years and older for the short-term treatment of constipation. However, specific dosages and formulations may vary depending on the age of the child. Safety and efficacy of senna chewable tablets have not been established in children younger than 6 years of age, and senna oral liquid and tablets have not been established in children younger than 2 years of age.
Geriatric Use: There is limited information available on the use of senna in geriatric patients. It's always a good idea to consult with a healthcare provider for personalized advice and guidance if you are an older adult.
Duration of Use: Senna is generally recommended for short-term use and should not be used for more than one week without the supervision of a healthcare provider.
Keep a Medication List: It's important to keep a list of all the products you use, including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products, and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. This can help them identify any potential interactions or concerns.

Overdose

An overdose of senna can have serious consequences and should be avoided. While conventional senna used as a laxative is generally safe, there have been reports suggesting that an overdose can cause acute hepatic failure with early signs of encephalopathy. For example, there is a case report of a 75-year-old woman who developed symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and low-grade fever after self-medicating with leaves of Senna occidentalis for two weeks.

Symptoms of a senna overdose may include electrolyte imbalance, muscle weakness, heart problems, liver damage, and other side effects. If you suspect an overdose, it is important to seek immediate medical attention or contact a poison control center.

To prevent an overdose, it is crucial to follow the recommended dosage instructions provided on the product packaging or as directed by your healthcare provider. Do not exceed the recommended dose, and do not use different forms of senna (such as tablets, liquids, and others) at the same time without medical advice, as this increases the risk of an overdose.

Interaction

Senna may interact with certain medications, and it's important to be aware of these potential interactions. Here are some examples of medications that may interact with senna:

Prilosec (omeprazole)
Protonix (pantoprazole)
Seroquel (quetiapine)
Synthroid (levothyroxine)
Tylenol (acetaminophen)
Vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin)
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)
Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol)
Xanax (alprazolam)
Zofran (ondansetron)
Zyrtec (cetirizine)

It's important to note that this is not an exhaustive list, and there may be other medications that can interact with senna. It's always a good idea to inform your healthcare provider about all the medications, vitamins, and herbal products you are taking to avoid any potential interactions.

Additionally, there are 211 drugs known to interact with senna, as mentioned in the search results. It's important to consult with your healthcare provider or pharmacist to determine if any of the medications you are taking may interact with senna.

Mechanism

Senna, derived from the Senna alexandrina plant, is a natural laxative that is commonly used for the treatment of constipation. The mechanism of action of senna involves its active components, known as sennosides, which are anthraquinone derivatives and dimeric glycosides. Here are some key points about the mechanisms of senna:

Irritant Effect: The breakdown products of senna act directly as irritants on the colonic wall, stimulating the nerve plexus and inducing fluid secretion and colonic motility.
Peristaltic Stimulation: Senna stimulates peristaltic activity in the intestines, which helps to increase motility and move stool through the digestive system.
Fluid Secretion: Senna promotes fluid secretion in the intestines, which softens the stool and facilitates bowel movements.

It's important to note that senna should be used as directed and for short-term treatment of constipation. Prolonged or excessive use of senna may lead to dependence or electrolyte imbalances.

Disclaimer

It is important to talk to a healthcare provider or pharmacist about all medications and supplements being taken, to determine whether any interactions may occur. They can advise on the appropriate use and dosage of aspirin to avoid any potential drug interactions.

MedDonald's