Senokot

Senokot is an over the counter medication used to treat constipation in adults and children 2 years and older. Senokot belongs to a group of drugs called laxatives. These work by stimulating the intestines to produce a bowel movement.

This medication comes in tablet form and is taken once to twice daily  

Common side effects of Senokot include diarrhea, abdominal pain and nausea.

Senokot is part of the drug class:

• Contact laxatives

Ask a doctor, pharmacist, herbalist, or other healthcare provider if it is safe for you to use this product if you have:

• a bowel disorder such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis;

• heart disease; or

• stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting.

It is not known whether senna will harm an unborn baby. Do not use this product without medical advice if you are pregnant.

It is not known whether senna passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this product without medical advice if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Some forms of senna are made for use by children. Do not give any herbal/health supplement to a child without the advice of a doctor.

When considering the use of herbal supplements, seek the advice of your doctor. You may also consider consulting a practitioner who is trained in the use of herbal/health supplements.

If you choose to use senna, use it as directed on the package or as directed by your doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. Do not use more of this product than is recommended on the label.

Senna is usually taken before bed to produce a bowel movement 6 to 12 hours later when you wake up.

Measure liquid medicine with a special dose-measuring spoon or medicine cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

Do not use different formulations of senna (such as tablets and liquid) at the same time without medical advice. Using different formulations together increases the risk of an overdose of senna.

Call your healthcare provider if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse while using senna. Do not use this product for longer than 1 week without the advice of a healthcare provider.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Follow your healthcare provider's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your healthcare provider at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

• severe stomach pain, severe diarrhea, watery diarrhea;

• weight loss;

• worsening constipation after you stop taking senna;

• enlargement of your fingers and toes;

• low potassium (confusion, uneven heart rate, extreme thirst, increased urination, leg discomfort, muscle weakness or limp feeling); or

• nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Less serious side effects may include:

• stomach cramps, bloating, gas, mild diarrhea;

• numbness or tingly feeling;

• joint pain; or

• discolored urine.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor, pharmacist, herbalist, or other healthcare provider about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Do not take senna without the advice of a healthcare provider if you are using any of the following medications:

• digoxin (Lanoxin);

• a diuretic (water pill); or

• a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven).

This list is not complete and other drugs may interact with senna. Tell your healthcare provider about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

• Black, tarry stools
• blood in the stools
• nausea or vomiting
• stomach pain

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.