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Compare Senexon-s vs. Ex-Lax

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Senna-S (docusate/senna) and Senokot (senna) are both over-the-counter medications used to treat occasional constipation, but they have some key differences. Senna-S is a combination of a stool softener (docusate) and a stimulant laxative (senna), which means it helps soften the stool and stimulate bowel movements. On the other hand, Senokot contains only senna, a stimulant laxative that works by stimulating the muscles in your intestines to help push out stools. Both medications are typically recommended to be taken at bedtime to produce a bowel movement by morning, and can be used daily if needed, but not for more than a week without consulting a provider. Both medications also work within 6 to 12 hours, but it are not recommended for long-term use. Both medications can cause stomach cramps, and may also lead to electrolyte changes if misused. While Senna-S combines two medications for a dual action, Senokot is a single-agent stimulant laxative.

  • Docusate/senna
    Senna
  • Docusate/senna
    Senna

  • Summary of Senexon-s vs. Ex-Lax

    Summary for Stool softener / Stimulant laxative

    Docusate/senna is a combination medication containing docusate and senna. The two laxatives work together to treat constipation.

    Summary for Laxative

    Senna, or also known as sennosides, is an over-the-counter (OTC) laxative medication that's used to help with occasional constipation. It can work faster than some other alternatives, like docusate (Colace), but it can also cause stomach cramps as a side effect. This medication comes as tablets and liquids that are taken by mouth once or twice a day, depending on your needs. Senna is sold under many different brand names and lower-cost generic versions.

  • Indications of Senexon-s vs. Ex-Lax

    Indications for
    •Occasional constipation
    Indications for
    •Occasional constipation

  • Pros and Cons of Senexon-s vs. Ex-Lax

    Pros and Const for Stool softener / Stimulant laxative
    Pros
    •Contains two medications, so there's fewer pills and can sometimes be cheaper
    •Available over-the-counter so you don't need a prescription from your provider
    •Works fast to help you have a bowel movement
    Cons
    •Should only be used short-term (less than 7 days)
    •Some people have stomach cramps
    •Can cause loose, watery stools
    Pros and Const for Laxative
    Pros
    •Available over the counter, so you don't need a prescription
    •Safe to use in children
    •Works faster than stool softeners, like docusate (Colace)
    Cons
    •Might cause stomach cramps or electrolyte changes
    •Not for long-term use (longer than 1 week)
    •Can use with other types of laxatives, if senna isn't working well on its own

  • Common Side Effects of Senexon-s vs. Ex-Lax

    Common Side Effects for

    See Risks and Warnings

    Common Side Effects for
    •Stomach cramps
    •Brown urine

  • Warnings of Senexon-s vs. Ex-Lax

    Common Side Effects for
    •Complete or partial blockage of intestines
    •Self-medication
    Common Side Effects for
    •Electrolyte changes

  • Prices with our coupons for Senexon-s vs. Ex-Lax

    Learn more about Docusate/senna
    Learn more about Senna

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