senna

What is the most important information I should know about senna?

Follow all directions on the product label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

What is senna?

Senna is also known as Cassia, Fan Xie Ye, Alejandrina, Séné, Sennae, and Tinnevelly.

Senna is likely effective in alternative medicine as an aid in treating occasional constipation in adults and children at least 2 years old. Senna is sometimes used together with another laxative or stool softener such as lactulose, psyllium, docusate, or mineral oil.

Senna is possibly effective as a bowel preparation before colonoscopy.

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

Senna is often sold as an herbal supplement. There are no regulated manufacturing standards in place 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 purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination.

Senna may also be used for purposes not listed in this product guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking senna?

• diarrhea or loose stools;
• severe stomach pain;
• swelling or a blockage in 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 healthcare provider if it is safe for you to use this product if you have ever had:

• an electrolyte imbalance (such as low levels of potassium in your blood);
• any change in bowel habits that has lasted longer than 2 weeks;
• long-term bowel problems;
• heart disease; or
• stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting.

Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

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.

How should I take senna?

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.

You must chew the chewable tablet before you swallow it.

Measure liquid medicine carefully. Use the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).

Senna should produce a bowel movement within 6 to 12 hours after you take it.

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

What happens if I miss a dose?

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.

What happens if I overdose?

What should I avoid while taking senna?

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

What are the possible side effects of senna?

• rectal bleeding;
• no bowel movement within 12 hours after using senna; or
• low potassium level --leg cramps, constipation, irregular heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, increased thirst or urination, numbness or tingling, muscle weakness or limp feeling.

Constipation is the most common side effect of senna. Less serious side effects may be more likely, and you may have none 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 may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect senna?

• birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy;
• digoxin (Lanoxin);
• a diuretic (water pill); or
• warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven).

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect senna, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Where can I get more information?

Consult with a licensed healthcare professional before using any herbal/health supplement. Whether you are treated by a medical doctor or a practitioner trained in the use of natural medicines/supplements, make sure all your healthcare providers know about all of your medical conditions and treatments.