Senokot S

Name: Senokot S

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using Senokot S (docusate and senna)?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to docusate and senna, or if you are also taking mineral oil.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist about using docusate and senna if you have:

  • nausea or vomiting;

  • stomach pain;

  • a sudden change in bowel habits that lasts for 2 weeks or longer; or

  • if you have an intestinal disorder such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis.

Do not use this medication without your doctor's advice if you are pregnant.

It is not known whether docusate and senna passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Ask a doctor before giving this medication to a child younger than 2 years old.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take Senokot-S?

  • Tell all of your health care providers that you take this medicine. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
  • Do not use Senokot-S for more than 1 week unless told to do so by your doctor.
  • Do not use other laxatives or stool softeners unless told to do so by the doctor.
  • If you have rectal bleeding or you do not have a bowel movement after using this medicine, talk with your doctor.
  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using Senokot-S while you are pregnant.
  • Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about any risks to your baby.

What are some other side effects of Senokot-S?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if you have any side effects that bother you or do not go away.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. You may also report side effects at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

  • If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
  • Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
  • Keep a list of all your drugs (prescription, natural products, vitamins, OTC) with you. Give this list to your doctor.
  • Talk with the doctor before starting any new drug, including prescription or OTC, natural products, or vitamins.
  • Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about Senokot-S, please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
  • If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

This information should not be used to decide whether or not to take this medicine or any other medicine. Only the healthcare provider has the knowledge and training to decide which medicines are right for a specific patient. This information does not endorse any medicine as safe, effective, or approved for treating any patient or health condition. This is only a brief summary of general information about Senokot-S (docusate and senna). It does NOT include all information about the possible uses, directions, warnings, precautions, interactions, adverse effects, or risks that may apply to this medicine. This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from the healthcare provider. You must talk with the healthcare provider for complete information about the risks and benefits of using Senokot-S.

Review Date: October 4, 2017

For the Consumer

Applies to docusate / senna: oral tablet

What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

  • Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to docusate / senna: oral tablet

Gastrointestinal

Gastrointestinal side effects of docusate have included gastrointestinal cramping.

Gastrointestinal side effects of senna have included esophageal impaction and duodenal bezoars. These effects have been reported in patients receiving a bulk laxative product containing 82% psyllium and 18% senna (commercially available as Perdiem Overnight Relief).[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

One case has been reported involving a factory worker who developed IgE-mediated asthma and rhinoconjunctivitis five months after exposure to senna.[Ref]

Hypersensitivity side effects of senna have rarely included occupational sensitization to senna.[Ref]

Metabolic

Metabolic side effects of docusate have included at least one case report of hypomagnesemia.[Ref]

Metabolic abnormalities reported include hypomagnesemia in one woman who took docusate chronically throughout her pregnancy. Magnesium levels returned to normal following discontinuation of docusate.[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

Musculoskeletal side effects of senna have rarely included finger clubbing.[Ref]

Dermatologic

Dermatologic side effects of docusate have included rash.[Ref]

Some side effects of Senokot S may not be reported. Always consult your doctor or healthcare specialist for medical advice. You may also report side effects to the FDA.

(web3)