What’s the Best Laxative or Stool Softener to Take for Constipation?
Learn about the best laxatives and stool softeners for constipation, plus other tips for treating constipation.
sennosides
Used for Constipation
Used for Constipation
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.
When does Senna start working?Time passed since treatment started:
Drug facts
| Common Brands | Senokot, Ex-Lax, Senna-Lax, Senna-Tabs |
|---|---|
| Drug Class | Laxative |
| Controlled Substance Classification | Not a controlled medication |
| Generic Status | Lower-cost generic available |
| Availability | Over-the-counter |
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)
When do Senna possible side effects begin and end?
Time passed since treatment started:
H
D
W
M
Stomach cramps
Brown urine
No bowel movement
Seek immediate medical care if you experience this side effect.
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
$9.40
GoodRx discount
$5.14
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.
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
The average cost for 30 tablets of 8.6mg of Senna is $5.14 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 45.32% off the average retail price of $9.40. 
Tablet
Tablet| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8.6mg | 30 tablets | $5.14 | $0.17 |
| 25mg | 30 tablets | $11.47 | $0.38 |
| 15mg | 6 tablets | $5.49 | $0.92 |
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?
To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
What are alternatives to Senna?
There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Senna. Compare a few possible alternatives below.
News about Senna
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Stool Softeners vs. Laxatives: A Complete Guide to OTC Products for Constipation
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Senna images
