Senna is a drug to treat constipation or constipation. This drug can also be used to clear stool from the intestines before a person has surgery or a digestive tract examination.
Senna works by increasing bowel movements and decreasing the absorption of water by the digestive tract. This way of working will increase the frequency of bowel movements. The effects of senna will appear within 8-12 hours after consumption.
To help overcome constipation, you are advised to maintain adequate fluid intake by drinking 8 glasses of water every day, eating high-fiber foods, and adopting an active lifestyle, for example by exercising regularly.
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What is Senna
| group | Free medicine |
| Category | Purgative |
| Benefit | Overcoming constipation |
| Consumed by | Adults and children over 2 years old |
| Senna for pregnant and lactating mothers | Category C:Animal studies have shown adverse effects on the fetus, but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women. Drugs should only be used if the expected benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus. Senna can be absorbed into breast milk. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without consulting your doctor first. |
| Drug form | Capsule |
Warning Before Consuming Senna
Although it is an over-the-counter drug, senna should not be taken carelessly. The following are things you should pay attention to before consuming Senna:
- Do not take senna if you are allergic to this drug. Tell your doctor about any allergies you have.
- Do not take senna if you have or have had ulcerative colitis, gastrointestinal bleeding, Crohn's disease, intestinal obstruction, or have symptoms of appendicitis.
- Talk to your doctor about using senna if you have or are currently suffering from heart disease, stomach pain, electrolyte disturbances, dehydration, or diarrhea.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking certain medications, supplements, or herbal products.
- See your doctor right away if you experience a drug allergic reaction, overdose, or serious side effect after taking senna.
Dosage and Rules for Use of Senna
The following are senna dosages based on their intended use:
Purpose: Overcoming constipation
- Mature: 15–30 mg, 1-2 times daily.
- Child age 2–6 years: 3.75–7.5 mg, once daily, taken in the morning
- child age 6–12 years old: 7.5–15 mg, once daily, taken at night or in the morning
- Adolescents 12 years and over: 15–30 mg, once a day, taken before bed
Purpose: Preparation before bowel surgery
- Mature: 105–157.5 mg, given before the procedure
How to Consume Senna Correctly
Always follow your doctor's advice and carefully read the directions on the medicine package before using senna.
Swallow senna capsules with the help of water. It is recommended to take senna at night before going to bed. Do not take senna more than the prescribed dose.
Do not take senna in the long term. See your doctor immediately if you are still constipated after using senna for 3 days.
To avoid constipation, drink plenty of water and apply a balanced diet and have a high fiber content. Exercising regularly can also help the digestive tract move properly.
Store senna in a closed container, in a dry place, at room temperature, and away from direct sunlight. Keep senna out of reach of children.
Senna's Interactions with Other Drugs
The use of senna together with other drugs can cause several drug interactions, such as:
- Increased risk of gastrointestinal injury when used with magnesium sulfate, sodium sulfate, or potassium sulfate
- Increased risk of digoxin side effects
- Increased risk of developing hypokalemia when used with diuretics, deflazacort, or dichlorphenamide
- Increased risk of bleeding if used with warfarin
- Decreased effectiveness of birth control pills and hormone medications, such as estrogen
Senna Side Effects and Dangers
There are several side effects that can occur after consuming senna, including:
- stomach cramps
- bloating
- Fart
- Diarrhea
- Joint pain
- Numbness or tingling
Consult a doctor if these side effects do not improve immediately or are getting worse. See your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction or serious side effects, such as:
- Severe stomach ache
- Severe diarrhea
- Weight loss
- Swelling of the toes or hands
- Constipation gets worse after stopping taking senna
- The skin and whites of the eyes turn yellow (jaundice)
- Rectal bleeding
- Low levels of potassium in the blood (hypokalemia), which can be characterized by muscle weakness, irregular heartbeat, or feeling very thirsty
