Senna

Senna

What is Senna?

Senna is likely to be effective in alternative medicine as an aid in the treatment of occasional constipation in adults and children aged 2 years and over. Sometimes it is used with another laxative or stool softener such as lactulose, psyllium, docusate, or mineral oil.

Senna may be effective as a bowel preparation before a colonoscopy.

Other uses not supported by research include weight loss, irritable bowel syndrome, hemorrhoids, anal fissures (tears in the anus lining), or after anal or rectal surgery.

It is not certain whether senna is effective in treating any disease. Medical use of this product has not been approved by the FDA. Senna should not be taken in place of medications prescribed by your doctor.

Senna is often sold as an herbal dietary supplement. There are no regulated manufacturing standards for many herbal compounds and some marketed supplements have been found to be contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Herbal/health supplements should be obtained from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination.

Warnings

Not all uses of senna have been approved by the FDA. Senna should not be taken in place of medications prescribed by your doctor.

Senna is often sold as an herbal dietary supplement. There are no regulated manufacturing standards for many herbal compounds and some marketed supplements have been found to be contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Herbal/health supplements should be obtained from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination.

Use senna as directed on the label or as directed by your doctor. Do not use this product in larger quantities or for longer than recommended.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or worsen while using Senna. Do not use this product for more than 1 week without the advice of a doctor.

Before you take this medicine

You should not use senna if you are allergic to it or if you have:

• diarrhea or loose stools;

• severe stomach pain;

• swelling or blockage of your digestive tract (stomach or intestines);

• Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, appendicitis;

• hemorrhoids, anal prolapse; or

• if you are dehydrated.

Ask a doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider if it is safe for you to use this product if you have ever had:

• an electrolyte imbalance (e.g. low blood potassium levels);

• any change in bowel habits that lasts longer than 2 weeks;

• long-term intestinal problems;

• heart disease; or

• Stomach pain, nausea or vomiting.

Consult a doctor before using Senna if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Some forms of senna are intended for consumption by children. Do not give herbal/health supplements to a child without the advice of a doctor.

How should I take Senna?

If you are considering using herbal supplements, seek advice from your doctor. You may also consider consulting a doctor trained in the use of herbal/health supplements.

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

You must chew the chewable tablet before swallowing it.

Measure liquid medicine carefully. Use the dosing syringe provided or a medication dosing device (not a kitchen spoon).

Senna should induce a bowel movement within 6 to 12 hours of ingestion.

Do not use different formulations (e.g. tablets and liquid) at the same time without medical advice. Using different formulations at the same time increases the risk of a senna overdose.

Senna may be unsafe when taken long-term or in high doses. Using this medicine for more than 2 weeks may cause your intestines to stop functioning normally. Long-term use can also cause serious electrolyte imbalances. Certain electrolyte imbalances can lead to muscle weakness, heart problems, liver damage and other harmful effects.

Call your doctor if your constipation does not improve after a week of use or if your constipation gets worse.

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

What happens if I miss a dose?

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

What happens if I overdose?

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

What should I avoid when taking Senna?

Follow your doctor's instructions regarding any food, drink, or activity restrictions.

Side effects of Senna

If necessary, get emergency medical helpSigns of an allergic reaction to senna:hives; difficult breathing; Swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using Senna and call your doctor immediately if you have:

• rectal bleeding;

• no bowel movements within 12 hours of using senna; or

• low potassium levels- Leg cramps, constipation, irregular heartbeat, fluttering in the chest, increased thirst or need to urinate, numbness or tingling, muscle weakness or feeling weak.

Constipation is the most common side effect of senna. Less serious side effects may be more likely, and you may not have any at all.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You can report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs affect senna?

Do not take Senna without medical advice if you are taking any of the following medications:

• birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy;

• digoxin (Lanoxin);

• a diuretic (water tablet); or

• Warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven).

This list is not complete. Other medications can interact with senna, including prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

More information

• Konsultieren Sie einen zugelassenen Arzt, bevor Sie pflanzliche Nahrungsergänzungsmittel oder Nahrungsergänzungsmittel verwenden. Unabhängig davon, ob Sie von einem Arzt oder einem in der Verwendung natürlicher Arzneimittel/Nahrungsergänzungsmittel geschulten Arzt behandelt werden, stellen Sie sicher, dass alle Ihre Gesundheitsdienstleister über alle Ihre Erkrankungen und Behandlungen Bescheid wissen.

Remember to keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and only use Senna for the prescribed indication.