How quickly does docusate/senna work?

The manufacturer says that most people will have a bowel movement in 6—12 hours after taking docusate/senna. However, everyone's body is unique and will respond differently. Some people have cramps followed by a bowel movement within a few hours. If it's been a few days and you haven't had a bowel movement, follow up with your provider.

Why is docusate/senna taken at night?

It's recommended to take docusate/senna at bedtime because most people will have a bowel movement after 6—12 hours. This way, you can wake up in the morning and have a bowel movement. You don't have to take docusate/senna at night for it to work, especially if your body responds differently to the medication.

Can I take docusate/senna every day?

You can take docusate/senna daily if you need it to have consistent bowel movements. If you have to take it every day for more than a week, you should contact your provider to see if there's something that might be causing your constipation.

Can docusate/senna be used during pregnancy?

Talk to your OBGYN before using docusate/senna for constipation. There are many options for treating constipation and some might be safer for you during pregnancy.

Is docusate/senna a laxative or a stool softener?

Docusate/senna is a combination medication containing docusate and senna. Docusate is a stool softener that helps "mush" your stool and senna is a laxative that helps "push" it out.

Docusate Sodium/Sennosides

Generic senexon-s

Used for Constipation

Basics Side effects Pros & cons Pharmacist tips FAQs Warnings Dosage Cost Alternatives Images Prices Medicare

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

Reviewed by:

Hope Chang, PharmD, AAHIVP

Allison Gourley, PharmD

Last reviewed on August 13, 2021

Basics Side effects Pros & cons Pharmacist tips FAQs Warnings Dosage Cost Alternatives Images Prices Medicare

What is Docusate/senna?

What is Docusate/senna used for?

Occasional constipation

How Docusate/senna works

Docusate/senna contains a stool softener (docusate) and a stimulant laxative (senna). Docusate draws water into your intestines to soften your stool, while senna works on your intestines to help push it out.

Drug facts

Common BrandsSenna-S, Dok Plus, Senexon-S

Drug ClassStool softener / Stimulant laxative

Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication

Generic StatusLower-cost generic available

AvailabilityOver-the-counter

Side effects of Docusate/senna

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

See Risks and Warnings

Source: DailyMed

The following Docusate/senna side effects have also been reported

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

Nausea
Stomach pain
Vomiting

Get your GoodRx coupon

Avg retail price

$7.27(Save 49.24%)

GoodRx discount

$3.69

See prices

Pros and cons of Docusate/senna

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

Pharmacist tips for Docusate/senna

Before using this medication, contact your provider if you have stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting or if you've noticed sudden changes in your stool for more than 2 weeks.
Don't take docusate/senna if you're taking mineral oil, unless your provider tells you to. Taking docusate/senna with mineral oil can raise the amount of mineral oil your body absorbs.
It's recommended to take your first dose at bedtime because you can expect to have a bowel movement the following morning. You don't have to take it at bedtime, however, especially if your body responds differently to the medication.
Stay hydrated and eat food that is high in fiber to help your body have regular, easy bowel movements.
Contact your provider if you don't have a bowel movement after using docusate/senna for 1 week. This could be a sign of a more serious problem.

How to save using GoodRx

1. Compare PricesSpecify your dosage and quantity to find out exactly how much you can save.

2. Select your free couponYou can use the displayed coupon, or compare prices at other pharmacies near you.

3. Show coupon to your pharmacistPresent your printed or electronic coupon when you pick up your prescription.

Get free coupon Learn more

Risks and warnings for Docusate/senna

Docusate/senna can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

Complete or partial blockage of intestines

Stop taking docusate/senna and call your provider if you have rectal bleeding (from your anus) or cannot have a bowel movement after taking docusate/senna. These could be signs of a more serious problem.

Self-medication

Before you start taking docusate/senna, speak with your provider first if you have stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting or if you've noticed sudden changes in your stool for more than 2 weeks. Docusate/senna may not be the best medication for you, and your provider should make sure there's not a more serious problem going on.

Docusate/senna dosage

The average cost for 60 tablets of 50mg/8.6mg of Docusate/senna is $3.69 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 49.24% off the average retail price of $7.27.

Tablet

Dosage	Quantity	Price as low as	Price per unit
50mg/8.6mg	60 tablets	$3.69	$0.06

Typical dosage for Docusate/senna

Adults and Children age 12 and older: The typical starting dose is 2 pills by mouth once a day. The maximum dose is 4 pills two times a day.
Children age 6—11: The typical starting dose is 1 pill by mouth once a day. The maximum dose is 2 pills two times a day.