sennosides
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.
What is Senna?
What is Senna used for?
- Occasional constipation
How Senna works
Senna is a stimulant laxative. It stimulates the muscles in your intestines (gut). It helps your gut move so that your body can have a bowel movement.
Drug facts
Side effects of 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
Senna serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Gut blockage: can't have a bowel movement after use, rectal bleeding (blood that comes from your anus)
The following 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):
Get your GoodRx coupon
Pros and cons of Senna
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
Pharmacist tips for Senna
- Before taking laxatives like senna, go over the medications you're taking with your provider or pharmacist. One of your medications might be causing your constipation. If this is the case, you can discuss with your provider about the best way to manage your constipation, such as a change in treatment or taking a particular laxative as needed.
- Before using senna, contact your provider if you have stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting. Also ask your provider before using this medication if you've noticed sudden changes in your bowel movement patterns for more than 2 weeks. There might be a more serious problem going on that your provider should check out.
- Your provider might recommend that you take your first dose of senna at bedtime. This might help you to have a bowel movement the following morning.
- Stay hydrated and eat foods that are high in fiber, like fruits, beans, and nuts. This helps your body have regular bowel movements.
- Contact your provider if you need to use senna to help with constipation for more than 1 week. This could be a sign of a more serious problem.
- The active ingredient "senna" can be found in combination medications and herbal teas. Always check your medications and teas to make sure you aren't doubling up on senna. Taking too much senna can raise your risk of side effects.
- For the senna liquid or syrup: Shake the bottle well before using. Always use the measuring device given to you by your provider or pharmacist to measure out your dose. Don't use kitchen spoons or measuring spoons since these might not be accurate.
Common questions about Senna
Senna isn't typically a first-choice option for constipation during pregnancy. This is because there's not as much evidence for its safety in pregnancy. As a general rule of thumb, talk with your provider or pharmacist before using any over-the-counter laxatives while pregnant. They can help find a safer option for you.
Both bisacodyl and senna are stimulant laxatives that can help produce a bowel movement. Typically, the discussion around how "strong" the two laxatives are is more about how quickly they work. Bisacodyl and senna both have formulations that you can take by mouth (e.g., tablets), which work within 6 to 12 hours. But bisacodyl also comes as a rectal suppository that takes about 15 to 60 minutes to kick in. So if you're looking for something that works quickly, the bisacodyl rectal suppository might be a more appropriate stimulant laxative for you. Speak with your provider or pharmacist about which medication best fits your needs.
Senna is approved for occasional constipation. It's typically used on an as-needed basis for no longer than 1 week. Relying on laxatives (i.e., taking it every day) can be harmful and cause your gut to become "lazy" and unable to naturally have bowel movements easily. If you find yourself constantly needing senna to have a bowel movement, talk with your provider. There might be something serious causing your constipation.
The makers of senna say that most people will have a bowel movement within 6 to 12 hours after taking it. However, everyone's body is unique and can respond to the medication differently. If it's been a few days and you haven't had a bowel movement after you've used senna, follow up with your provider.
A laxative is a medication that helps you have a bowel movement. There are many types of laxatives, including stool softeners and stimulant laxatives. Senna is a stimulant laxative. It works on the muscles of your gut to help push out stools. On the other hand, stool softeners, like docusate (Colace), help soften the stool, so it's easier to be pushed out. Sometimes, stimulant laxatives and stool softeners are used together to help with constipation. You can think of the combination as a "mush" (stool softener) and a "push" (stimulant laxative).
It's recommended to take senna at bedtime because most people will have a bowel movement after 6 to 12 hours. This way, it makes it easier for you to have a bowel movement when you wake up in the morning the next day. It's not required to take senna at night, especially if your body responds differently to the medication.
How to save using GoodRx
Risks and warnings for Senna
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.
Electrolyte changes
- Risk factors: Misuse of senna | Taking senna longer than recommended | Taking higher than recommended doses
Only take senna as directed by your provider or according to the manufacturer's label. The risk of side effects from senna is low if you take it as directed. But some people who took senna at a higher dose or for a longer time than recommended have experienced low potassium levels and changes in their electrolyte levels. Low potassium levels can cause muscle weakness or twitching, more constipation, a numbing or tingling sensation, or more seriously irregular heartbeat. If you experience any of these symptoms after you take senna, contact your provider.
Senna dosage
Tablet| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8.6mg | 60 tablets | $3.28 | $0.05 |
| 25mg | 2 tablets | $2.67 | $1.34 |
| 15mg | 30 tablets | $4.05 | $0.14 |
Typical dosage for Senna
- Adults and children age 12 and older: The typical starting dose is 2 tablets by mouth once a day. The maximum dose is 4 tablets twice a day.
- Children age 6 to 11 years: The typical starting dose is 1 tablet by mouth once a day. The maximum dose is 2 tablets twice a day.
- Children age 2 to 5 years: The typical starting dose is one-half tablet by mouth once a day. The maximum dose is 1 tablet twice a day.
- Children under 2 years of age: Senna isn't recommended for this age group. Ask your child's provider for appropriate treatment.
- Adults and children age 12 and older: The typical starting dose is 10 mL to 15 mL by mouth once a day at bedtime. The maximum dose is 15 mL in the morning and at bedtime.
- Children under 12 years of age: The oral liquid isn't recommended for this age group. Ask your child's provider for appropriate treatment.
How much does Senna cost?
What are alternatives to Senna?
News about Senna
Senna images
