Class: Cathartics and Laxatives
ATC Class: A06AB06
VA Class: GA204
CAS Number: 8013-11-4
Brands: Black Draught, Dr. Caldwell, Dr. Edwards’ Olive, Evac-U-Gen, Ex-Lax, Fletcher’s, Perdiem, Peri-Colace, Senexon, Senna-S, Senokot, Senokot S
Introduction
Stimulant laxative; hydroxymethylanthraquinone derivative occurring naturally in plants as glycosides.a
Uses for Senna
Constipation
Used to relieve occasional constipation.b
Mildest of the stimulant laxatives; less pronounced laxative effect than bisacodyl or the violent purgation produced by castor oil.b
Use of stimulant laxatives for simple constipation is seldom necessary or desirable.b
If a stimulant laxative is used, senna derivatives may be preferred.b
Used to treat constipation that occurs following prolonged bed rest or hospitalization.b
Has been used to treat constipation during pregnancy or the puerperium; bulk-forming laxatives or stool softeners preferred.b
Because senna may be distributed into milk, other laxatives usually are preferred for postpartum constipation.b
Also has been used to treat constipation resulting from diminished colonic motor response in geriatric patients but, because this type of constipation frequently is due to psychological or physical laxative dependence, bulk-forming laxatives preferred.b
Used to treat constipation occurring secondary to idiopathic slowing of transit time, to constipating drugs, or to irritable bowel or spastic colon syndrome.b
Also has been used to treat constipation in patients with neurologic constipation.b
Colonic Evacuation
Used orally to empty the bowel prior to surgery or radiologic, proctoscopic, or endoscopic (e.g., sigmoidoscopic, proctoscopic) procedures.b
Usually supplemented with administration of rectal evacuants (e.g., saline, stimulant, or soapsuds enemas) immediately before radiologic procedures.b
Senna Dosage and Administration
Administration
Oral Administration
Administer orally, in conjunction with adequate fluid intake.b
May be administered 1–2 times daily; however, usually administered as a single dose at bedtime.a
Oral Solution
Shake well before use.c d
Tablets
Swallow tablets with a glass of water;f h i do not crush, break, or chew.h i
Chewable Tablets or Pieces
Chew tablets or allow to dissolve in mouth before swallowing.e
Chew piece(s) before swallowing.g
Dosage
Available as sennosides, standardized senna concentrate, and standardized senna fruit extract; dosage expressed in terms of sennosides.a
Administer as infrequently as possible at the lowest effective dosage level.b Do not use for >1 week unless directed by prescriber.c d
Senna fluidextract: 33.3 mg/mL senna concentrate contains 3 mg sennosides A & B per mL.a m
Pediatric Patients
Constipation
Stimulant laxatives generally avoided in children <6 years of age.b
Oral (Standardized Senna Concentrate)
Children 2–6 years of age: 4.3 mg once daily; maximum 8.6 mg twice daily.j
Children 6–11 years of age: Usually, 8.6–15 mg 1–2 times daily.f g h i j May increase to a maximum 17.2 mg twice daily.j
Alternatively, for children 6–11 years of age: 25 mg (1 maximum strength tablet) 1–2 times daily.i
Alternatively, for children ≥6 years of age: 10 mg as chewable tablet 1–2 times daily.e
Children ≥12 years of age: Usually, 17.2–30 mg 1–2 times daily.e f h j May increase to a maximum 34.4 mg twice daily.j
Alternatively, for children ≥12 years of age: 50 mg (2 maximum strength tablets) 1–2 times daily.i
Oral (Senna Fluidextract Oral Solution)
Children 2–5 years of age: 15–30 mg (5–10 mL) 1–2 times daily.c Do not give concentrate containing alcohol to children <6 years of age unless otherwise directed by prescriber.d
Children 6–15 years of age: 30–45 mg (10–15 mL) 1–2 times daily.c
Children ≥12 years of age: Alternatively, 45–90 mg (15–30 mL) of oral solution (with alcohol) may be administered before or after meals or at bedtime.d May repeat in 6–8 hours if needed.d
Oral (Standardized Senna Fruit Extract Oral Solution)
Children 2–5 years of age: 4.4–6.6 mg (2.5–3.75 mL) once daily.n May increase to a maximum 6.6 mg (3.75 mL) twice daily.n
Children 6–11 years of age: 8.8–13.2 mg (5–7.5 mL) 1–2 times daily.n May increase to a maximum 13.2 mg (7.5 mL) twice daily.n
Children ≥12 years of age: 17.6–26.4 mg (10–15 mL) once daily.n May increase to a maximum 26.4 mg (15 mL) twice daily.n
Oral (Sennosides and Docusate Fixed Combination)
Children 2–5 years of age: 4.3 mg of sennosides and 25 mg of docusate sodium once daily.k May increase to a maximum 8.6 mg of sennosides and 50 mg of docusate sodium twice daily.k
Children 6–11 years of age: 8.6 mg of sennosides and 50 mg of docusate sodium once daily.k May increase to a maximum 17.2 mg of sennosides and 100 mg of docusate sodium twice daily.k
Children ≥12 years of age: 17.2 mg of sennosides and 100 mg of docusate sodium once daily.k May increase to a maximum 34.4 mg of sennosides and 200 mg of docusate sodium twice daily.k
Adults
Constipation
Oral (Standardized Senna Concentrate)
Usually, 17.2–30 mg 1–2 times daily.e f g h j May increase to a maximum 34.4 mg twice daily.j
Alternatively, 50 mg (2 maximum strength tablets) 1–2 times daily.i
Oral (Senna Fluidextract Oral Solution)
45–90 mg (15–30 mL) before or after meals or at bedtime.d May repeat in 6–8 hours if needed.d
Oral (Standardized Senna Fruit Extract Oral Solution)
17.6–26.4 mg (10–15 mL) once daily.n May increase to a maximum 26.4 mg (15 mL) twice daily.n
Oral (Sennosides and Docusate Fixed Combination)
17.2 mg of sennosides and 100 mg of docusate sodium once daily.k May increase to a maximum 34.4 mg of sennosides and 200 mg of docusate sodium twice daily.k
Colonic Evacuation
To prepare for colonic surgery or radiologic, sigmoidoscopic, or proctoscopic procedures, patient should receive a residue-free diet 1 day before the surgery or procedure.a Castor oil may be administered 16 hours before surgery or procedure; and a cleansing rectal enema (e.g., tap water, soap suds, saline laxative, bisacodyl tannex enema) administered on the day of surgery or procedure.a
Oral (Standardized Senna Fruit Extract or Standardized Senna Concentrate)
05–157.5 mg as a single dose 12–14 hours before surgery or procedure.a
Prescribing Limits
Pediatric Patients
Constipation
Do not use for >1 week unless directed by prescriber.c d
Oral (Standardized Senna Concentrate)
Children 2–6 years of age: Maximum 8.6 mg twice daily.j
Children 6–11 years of age: Maximum 17.2 mg twice daily.j
Alternatively, for children 6–11 years of age: Maximum 25 mg (1 maximum strength tablet) 2 times daily.i
Children ≥12 years of age: Maximum 34.4 mg twice daily.j
Alternatively, for children ≥12 years of age: 50 mg (2 maximum strength tablets) 2 times daily.i
Oral (Standardized Senna Fruit Extract Oral Solution)
Children ≥12 years of age: Maximum 26.4 mg (15 mL) twice daily.n
Oral (Sennosides and Docusate Fixed Combination)
Children 2–5 years of age: Maximum 8.6 mg of sennosides and 50 mg of docusate sodium twice daily.k
Children 6–11 years of age: Maximum 17.2 mg of sennosides and 100 mg of docusate sodium twice daily.k
Children ≥12 years of age: Maximum 34.4 mg of sennosides and 200 mg of docusate sodium twice daily.k
Adults
Constipation
Do not use for >1 week unless directed by prescriber.c d
Oral (Standardized Senna Concentrate)
Maximum 34.4 mg twice daily.j
Oral (Standardized Senna Fruit Extract Oral Solution)
Maximum 26.4 mg (15 mL) twice daily.n
Oral (Sennosides and Docusate Fixed Combination)
Maximum 34.4 mg of sennosides and 200 mg of docusate sodium twice daily.k
Special Populations
No special population dosage recommendations at this time.
Cautions for Senna
Contraindications
Acute abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting,b c d f j k or other symptoms of appendicitis or undiagnosed abdominal pain.b
Intestinal obstruction.b
Warnings/Precautions
Warnings
Laxative Dependence
Habit-forming.b
Potentially serious toxicity with chronic use.b (See Chronic Use or Overdosage under Cautions.)
Chronic Use or Overdosage of Laxatives
Chronic use or overdosage of laxatives may produce persistent diarrhea, hypokalemia, loss of essential nutritional factors, and dehydration.b
Laxative dependence, chronic constipation, and loss of normal bowel function may occur during long-term use.b
Electrolyte disturbances (including hypokalemia, hypocalcemia, metabolic acidosis or alkalosis), abdominal pain, diarrhea, malabsorption, weight loss, and protein-losing enteropathy may occur.b
Electrolyte disturbances may produce vomiting and muscle weakness; rarely, osteomalacia, secondary aldosteronism, and tetany.b
Chronic use may cause pathologic changes including structural damage to the myenteric plexus, severe and permanent interference with colonic motility, and hypertrophy of the muscularis mucosae.b
“Cathartic colon” with atony and dilation of the colon, especially of the right side, has occurred with habitual use (often for several years); often resembles ulcerative colitis.b
Change in Bowel Habits
If a sudden change in bowel habits occurs that last >2 weeks, consult a clinician before using.c e h i g j k
General Precautions
Discoloration of Urine and Colonic Mucosa
May discolor colonic mucosa (melanosis coli); innocuous and reversible.b
May discolor urine pink to red or brown to black.b
Diabetes Mellitus
Standardized senna fruit extract contains large amounts of sugar; consider caloric value in patients with diabetes mellitus.b
Use of Fixed Combinations
When senna is used in fixed combination with docusate sodium, consider the cautions, precautions, and contraindications associated with docusate sodium.
Specific Populations
Pregnancy
Category C.l
Lactation
May be distributed into milk.a b Unlikely to appear in sufficient amounts to affect nursing infants.a b
AAP considers senna compatible with breast-feeding.l
Pediatric Use
Safety and efficacy not established in children <2 years of age.c Avoid use of laxatives in infants and children.b
Common Adverse Effects
Abdominal discomfort, nausea, mild cramps, griping, faintness.b
Interactions for Senna
GI Drug Absorption
By increasing intestinal motility, can potentially decrease transit time of concomitantly administered oral drugs and thereby decrease their absorption.b
Specific Drugs and Laboratory Tests
Drugs and Laboratory Tests
|
Interaction
|
|---|
Phenolsulfonphthalein (PSP)
|
Discolors urine; possible apparent increase in urinary excretion of PSPb
|
Test for estrogen (Kober procedure)
|
Possible false-positive resultsb
|
Test for urinary urobilinogen
|
Possible false-positive resultsb
|
Senna Pharmacokinetics
Absorption
Bioavailability
Minimal absorption following oral administration.a
Onset
Following oral administration, laxation usually occurs within 6–12 hours; may take 24 hours.a c d e f g h i j k
Distribution
Extent
Distribution not fully characterized; may be distributed into bile, saliva, and colonic mucosa.a
Elimination
Metabolism
Absorbed drug metabolized in the liver.a
Elimination Route
Absorbed drug and its metabolites eliminated in feces via biliary excretion and/or in urine.a
Stability
Storage
Oral
Tablets and Chewable Pieces
20–25°C (may be exposed to 15–30°C);f g h i j protect from moisture.f
Solution
Tight, light-resistant container at ≤40°C.a
ActionsActions
Stimulant laxative; primary active cathartic principles are the stereoisomeric glucosides, sennosides A and B.a
Precise mechanism of action not known.b
Commonly thought that the stimulant laxatives induce defecation by stimulating propulsive peristaltic activity of the intestine through local irritation of the mucosa or through a more selective action on the intramural nerve plexus of intestinal smooth muscle, thus increasing motility.b
More recent evidence shows that stimulant laxatives alter fluid and electrolyte absorption, producing net intestinal fluid accumulation and laxation.b
Increases concentrations of cyclic 3′,5′-adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) in colonic mucosal cells and may alter the permeability of these cells and mediate active ion secretion, producing net fluid accumulation and laxative action.b
Mainly promotes evacuation of the colon.b
Advice to Patients
Importance of informing clinicians before use if abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting is present or if there has been a sudden change in bowel habits that persists over a period of 2 weeks.b c d e f g h i k
Importance of discontinuing use and informing clinician if a bowel movement does not occur or rectal bleeding occurs after use.b c d e f g h i j k
Importance of not using laxative products for a period longer than 1 week unless directed by a clinician.c d f g h i j k
Importance of taking with a glass of water.f h i
Advise about risk of laxative abuse and potential serious consequences.b (See Chronic Use or Overdosage under Cautions.)
Importance of advising clinicians of preexisting diabetes mellitus since some preparations contain sugar (e.g., standardized senna fruit extract).b
Advise patients of a potential discoloration in urine.b
Importance of taking 2 hours before or 2 hours after taking other medications.f g h i
Importance of informing clinicians of existing or contemplated concomitant therapy, including prescription and OTC drugs, as well as any concomitant illnesses, including intestinal obstruction.b f g h i
Importance of women informing clinicians if they are or plan to become pregnant or plan to breast-feed.c d e f g h i j k
Importance of informing patients of other important precautionary information. (See Cautions.)
Preparations
Excipients in commercially available drug preparations may have clinically important effects in some individuals; consult specific product labeling for details.
* available from one or more manufacturer, distributor, and/or repackager by generic (nonproprietary) name
Senna Leaf
Routes
|
Dosage Forms
|
Strengths
|
Brand Names
|
Manufacturer
|
|---|
Oral
|
Powder*
|
|
|
|
* available from one or more manufacturer, distributor, and/or repackager by generic (nonproprietary) name
Senna Concentrate, Standardized
Routes
|
Dosage Forms
|
Strengths
|
Brand Names
|
Manufacturer
|
|---|
Oral
|
Tablets, chewable
|
10 mg Sennosides
|
Black Draught
|
Lee
|
|
|
|
Evac-U-Gen
|
Lee
|
|
Pieces, chewable
|
15 mg Sennosides
|
Ex-Lax Chocolated
|
Novartis
|
|
Tablets
|
8.6 mg Sennosides*
|
Dr. Edwards’ Olive
|
Oakhurst
|
|
|
|
Senexon
|
Watson
|
|
|
|
Senna-Gen
|
Teva
|
|
|
|
Sennatural
|
G&W
|
|
|
|
Senokot
|
Purdue Frederick
|
|
|
15 mg Sennosides
|
Ex-Lax Regular Strength
|
Novartis
|
|
|
|
Perdiem
|
Novartis
|
|
|
17 mg Sennosides
|
SenokotXTRA
|
Purdue Frederick
|
|
|
25 mg Sennosides
|
Ex-Lax Maximum Strength
|
Novartis
|
* available from one or more manufacturer, distributor, and/or repackager by generic (nonproprietary) name
Senna Concentrate, Standardized Combinations
Routes
|
Dosage Forms
|
Strengths
|
Brand Names
|
Manufacturer
|
|---|
Oral
|
Tablets*
|
8.6 mg Sennosides with Docusate Sodium 50 mg
|
Peri-Colace
|
Purdue
|
|
|
|
Senna-S
|
Teva
|
|
|
|
Senokot S
|
Purdue Frederick
|
Senna Fluidextract
Routes
|
Dosage Forms
|
Strengths
|
Brand Names
|
Manufacturer
|
|---|
Oral
|
Solution
|
3 mg Sennosides per mL (33.3 mg Senna Concentrate per mL)
|
Dr. Caldwell Senna Laxative (with alcohol 4.9%)
|
Denison
|
|
|
|
Fletcher’s (with parabens; alcohol-free)
|
Mentholatum Company
|
* available from one or more manufacturer, distributor, and/or repackager by generic (nonproprietary) name
Senna Fruit Extract, Standardized
Routes
|
Dosage Forms
|
Strengths
|
Brand Names
|
Manufacturer
|
|---|
Oral
|
Solution*
|
8.8 mg Sennosides per 5 mL
|
Senexon Liquid (with parabens)
|
Watson
|
Disclaimer
This report on medications is for your information only, and is not considered individual patient advice. Because of the changing nature of drug information, please consult your physician or pharmacist about specific clinical use.
The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. and Drugs.com represent that the information provided hereunder was formulated with a reasonable standard of care, and in conformity with professional standards in the field. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. and Drugs.com make no representations or warranties, express or implied, including, but not limited to, any implied warranty of merchantability and/or fitness for a particular purpose, with respect to such information and specifically disclaims all such warranties. Users are advised that decisions regarding drug therapy are complex medical decisions requiring the independent, informed decision of an appropriate health care professional, and the information is provided for informational purposes only. The entire monograph for a drug should be reviewed for a thorough understanding of the drug's actions, uses and side effects. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. and Drugs.com do not endorse or recommend the use of any drug. The information is not a substitute for medical care.
AHFS Drug Information. © Copyright, 1959-2011, Selected Revisions January 01, 2008. American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc., 7272 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, Maryland 20814.
References
a. AHFS drug information 2007. McEvoy GK, ed. Anthraquinones. Bethesda, MD: American Society of Health-System Pharmacists; 2007:2923-4.
b. AHFS drug information 2007. McEvoy GK, ed. Cathartics and laxatives general statement. Bethesda, MD: American Society of Health-System Pharmacists; 2007:2919-23.
c. The Mentholatum Co., Inc. Fletcher’s laxative for kids patient information. Orchard Park, NY. Undated.
d. Denison. Dr. Caldwell senna laxative patient information. From website: . Accessed 2007 May 28.
e. Lee Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Black draught laxative tablets patient information. From website: . Accessed 2007 June 24.
f. Novartis Consumer Health, Inc. Perdiem overnight relief patient information. From website: . Accessed 2007 May 28.
h. Novartis Consumer Health, Inc. ex-lax regular strength patient information. From website: . Accessed 2007 May 28.
g. Novartis Consumer Health, Inc. ex-lax regular strength chocolate patient information. From website: . Accessed 2007 May 28.
i. Novartis Consumer Health, Inc. ex-lax maximum strength patient information. From website: . Accessed 2007 May 28.
j. Purdue Products L.P. Senokot tablets patient information. From website: . Accessed 2007 May 28.
k. Purdue Products L.P. Senokot-S tablets patient information. From website: . Accessed 2007 May 28.
l. Briggs GG, Freeman RK, Yaffe SJ. Drugs in pregnancy and lactation. 7th ed. Phildelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2005:1452-3.
m. Esford J (The Mentholatum Co., Inc., Orchard Park, NY): Personal communication; 2007 June 27.
n. Rugby Laboratories. Senexon Liquid patient information. Duluth, GA: 2005 Sept.
More Senna resources
- Senna Side Effects (in more detail)
- Senna Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
- Drug Images
- Senna Drug Interactions
- Senna Support Group
- 6 Reviews for Senna - Add your own review/rating
- Senna Natural MedFacts for Professionals (Wolters Kluwer)
- Senna Professional Patient Advice (Wolters Kluwer)
- Senna Natural MedFacts for Consumers (Wolters Kluwer)
- Senna Concise Consumer Information (Cerner Multum)
- Dosaflex Concise Consumer Information (Cerner Multum)
- Senexon Liquid MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)
- Senokot MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)
Compare Senna with other medications
- Bowel Preparation
- Constipation
