The leaves of the Senna plant are also used in some teas to help relieve constipation or promote weight loss. The most common Cassia senna plants used are the C. Senna is most often used as a laxative, either to relieve constipation or in some cases, to help with weight loss. It is also an ingredient in some conventional over-the-counter laxatives. The most common doses are:.
There have been some case reports of people suffering from liver damage, coma or nerve damage after using senna.
In these cases, people were using senna at much higher than the recommended doses and for more extended periods of time. Senna may or may not be safe for use during pregnancy. Pregnant women with constipation should speak with their doctor before using senna or any other laxative. Senna appears to be safe for women who are breast-feeding, when used in the recommended amount. Long-term use of senna can cause dependence in order to have a bowel movement, finger clubbing usually reversible , rectal bleeding, and wasting.
Someone experiencing any of these side effects should speak with their doctor, especially if they do not go away. It is essential to drink plenty of fluids or electrolyte replacement solutions, such as Gatorade, when taking senna.
This is to prevent a person from losing too much fluid or electrolytes, especially if they have diarrhea. Page last reviewed: 24 January Next review due: 24 January Senna - Brand name: Senokot On this page About senna Key facts Who can and cannot take senna How and when to take it Side effects How to cope with side effects of senna Pregnancy and breastfeeding Cautions with other medicines Common questions about senna.
About senna Senna is a natural laxative made from the leaves and fruit of the senna plant. Senna comes as tablets and as a liquid that you swallow syrup. Help us improve our website Can you answer a quick question about your visit today?
It's best to take senna at bedtime so it works overnight. The most common side effects are stomach cramps and diarrhoea. These are usually mild and short-lived.
Do not take senna for more than 1 week. Long-term use of senna can stop your bowel working properly on its own. Pee may turn a red-brown colour while you take senna. This is harmless and returns to normal after treatment has finished. Senna is safe to take for most adults aged 18 years and over. Important Only give senna to children if a doctor or pharmacist recommends it. To make sure senna is safe for you, tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting senna if you: have ever had an allergic reaction to senna or any other medicine in the past have a bowel obstruction have Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis have appendicitis are trying to get pregnant, already pregnant or breastfeeding.
Dosage The normal dose of senna tablets for constipation in: adults and children aged 12 years and over is 1 or 2 tablets at bedtime or 1 tablet of Senokot Max Strength children aged between 6 and 11 years is 1 single tablet at bedtime The normal dose of senna syrup for constipation in: adults and children aged 6 years and over is one or two 5ml spoonfuls at bedtime children aged 2 to 5 years only under medical supervision is half to one 5ml spoonful at bedtime Liquid senna comes with a plastic cup or spoon to measure the dose.
What if I forget to take it? What if I take too much? Taking an extra dose of senna is unlikely to harm you. If you're worried, talk to your doctor or a pharmacist. Common side effects Common side effects, which happen in more than 1 in people, are stomach cramps and diarrhoea.
Serious side effects A very rare but serious side effect of senna is a severe raised, red, itchy skin rash on any part or all of your body. Serious allergic reaction In rare cases, it's possible to have a serious allergic reaction anaphylaxis to senna. Information: You can report any suspected side effect using the Yellow Card safety scheme. Visit Yellow Card for further information. What to do about: diarrhoea — you may need to stop taking senna or reduce your dose.
Until the diarrhoea stops, drink lots of fluids, such as water or squash, to avoid dehydration. Signs of dehydration include peeing less than usual or having dark strong-smelling pee.
Reducing your dose of senna may also help diarrhoea. Do not take any other medicines to treat diarrhoea without speaking to a pharmacist or doctor. It can help to eat and drink slowly and have smaller and more frequent meals. Putting a heat pad or covered hot water bottle on your stomach may also help. If the cramps do not get better, try reducing your dose of senna. Senna may not be suitable if you're pregnant or breastfeeding. If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be awakened, immediately call emergency services at It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription over-the-counter medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements.
You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies. Senna pronounced as sen' a. Why is this medication prescribed? How should this medicine be used? Other uses for this medicine What special precautions should I follow? What special dietary instructions should I follow? What should I do if I forget a dose? What side effects can this medication cause?
What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication? Brand names Brand names of combination products Other names.
Other uses for this medicine. For details see our conditions. Senna can take hours to have an effect. It is best taken in the evening.
In this article About senna Before taking senna How to take senna Getting the most from your treatment Can senna cause problems? How to store senna Important information about all medicines. Senna for constipation Potter's Senna, Senokot In this article About senna Before taking senna How to take senna Getting the most from your treatment Can senna cause problems? Side-effects of senna What can I do if I experience this? Stomach pain or cramp, diarrhoea Stop taking senna. If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.
Are you protected against flu? Further reading and references.
0コメント