Senna

Stimulant laxative; hydroxymethylanthraquinone derivative occurring naturally in plants as glycosides.a

• Importance of informing clinicians before use if abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting is present or if there has been a sudden change in bowel habits that persists over a period of 2 weeks.b c d e f g h i k

• Importance of discontinuing use and informing clinician if a bowel movement does not occur or rectal bleeding occurs after use.b c d e f g h i j k

• Importance of not using laxative products for a period longer than 1 week unless directed by a clinician.c d f g h i j k

• Importance of taking with a glass of water.f h i

• Advise about risk of laxative abuse and potential serious consequences.b (See Chronic Use or Overdosage under Cautions.)

• Importance of advising clinicians of preexisting diabetes mellitus since some preparations contain sugar (e.g., standardized senna fruit extract).b

• Advise patients of a potential discoloration in urine.b

• Importance of taking 2 hours before or 2 hours after taking other medications.f g h i

• Importance of informing clinicians of existing or contemplated concomitant therapy, including prescription and OTC drugs, as well as any concomitant illnesses, including intestinal obstruction.b f g h i

• Importance of women informing clinicians if they are or plan to become pregnant or plan to breast-feed.c d e f g h i j k

• Importance of informing patients of other important precautionary information. (See Cautions.)

Once-daily doses should be preferentially taken at bedtime. Administer 2 hours before or after other medications.