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This information has been developed and provided by an independent third-party source. Merck & Co., Inc. does not endorse and is not responsible for the accuracy of the content, or for practices or
standards of non-Merck sources.
Pronunciation
(SEN na)
Generic Available (U.S.)
Yes
Index Terms
Brand Names: U.S.
Pharmacologic Category
Pharmacologic Category Synonyms
Use: Labeled Indications
Short-term treatment of constipation; evacuate the colon for bowel or rectal examinations
Contraindications
Per Commission E: Intestinal obstruction, acute intestinal inflammation (eg, Crohn's disease), colitis ulcerosa, appendicitis, abdominal pain of unknown origin; pregnancy
Warnings/Precautions
Other warnings/precautions:
• Self-medication (OTC use): Not recommended for use in patients experiencing stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, or a sudden change in bowel movements which lasts >2 weeks. Not recommended for OTC use in children <2 years of age.
Adverse Reactions
Frequency not defined: Gastrointestinal: Abdominal cramps, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting
Metabolism/Transport Effects
None known.
Drug Interactions
There are no known significant interactions.
Dosage
Oral:
Bowel evacuation: OTC labeling: Children ≥12 years and Adults: Usual dose: Sennosides 130 mg between 2-4 PM the afternoon of the day prior to procedure
Constipation: OTC ranges:
Children:
2-6 years:
Sennosides: Initial: 3.75 mg once daily (maximum: 15 mg/day, divided twice daily)
Senna concentrate: 33.3 mg/mL: 5-10 mL up to twice daily
6-12 years:
Sennosides: Initial: 8.6 mg once daily (maximum: 50 mg/day, divided twice daily)
Senna concentrate: 33.3 mg/mL: 10-30 mL up to twice daily
Children ≥12 years and Adults: Sennosides 15 mg once daily (maximum: 70-100 mg/day, divided twice daily)
Elderly: Consider half the initial dose in older, debilitated patients.
Administration: Oral
Once daily doses should be taken at bedtime. Granules may be eaten plain, sprinkled on food, or mixed in liquids
Dietary Considerations
Liquid may be administered with fruit juice or milk to mask taste.
Patient Education
Stop use and contact prescriber if you develop nausea, vomiting, persistent diarrhea, or abdominal cramps. If constipation worsens or you experience no relief, contact prescriber.
Geriatric Considerations
Elderly are often predisposed to constipation due to disease, immobility, drugs, and a decreased “thirst reflex” with age enhancing the possibility of dehydration. Avoid stimulant cathartic use on a chronic basis if possible. Use osmotic, lubricant, stool softeners, and bulk agents as prophylaxis. Patients should be instructed for proper dietary fiber and fluid intake as well as regular exercise. Monitor closely for fluid/electrolyte imbalance, CNS signs of fluid/electrolyte loss, and hypotension.
Additional Information
Some products that may have previously been labeled as standardized senna concentrate are now labeled as sennosides. For example, Senokot® tablets, previously labeled as standardized senna concentrate 187 mg, are now labeled as sennosides 8.6 mg. The actual content of senna in this product did not change. Individual product labeling should be consulted prior to dosing.
Dental Health: Effects on Dental Treatment
No significant effects or complications reported
Dental Health: Vasoconstrictor/Local Anesthetic Precautions
No information available to require special precautions
Mental Health: Effects on Mental Status
None reported
Mental Health: Effects on Psychiatric Treatment
None reported
Nursing: Physical Assessment/Monitoring
Determine cause of constipation before treating.
Dosage Forms
Excipient information presented when available (limited, particularly for generics); consult specific product labeling.
Liquid, oral:
Senexon: Sennosides 8.8 mg/5 mL (237 mL) [contains propylene glycol]
Liquid, oral [concentrate]:
Fletcher's®: Senna concentrate 33.3 mg/mL (75 mL) [ethanol free; contains sodium benzoate; rootbeer flavor]
Liquid, oral [concentrate/drops]:
Little Tummys® Laxative: Sennosides 8.8 mg/mL (30 mL) [dye free, ethanol free; contains propylene glycol, soya lecithin; chocolate flavor]
Strip, orally disintegrating, oral:
Fleet® Pedia-Lax™ Quick Dissolve: Sennosides 8.6 mg (12s) [grape flavor]
Syrup, oral: Sennosides 8.8 mg/5 mL (237 mL, 240 mL)
Tablet, oral: Sennosides 8.6 mg, Sennosides 15 mg, Sennosides 25 mg
ex-lax®: Sennosides USP 15 mg
ex-lax® Maximum Strength: Sennosides USP 25 mg
Geri-kot: Sennosides 8.6 mg
Perdiem® Overnight Relief: Sennosides USP 15 mg
Senexon: Sennosides 8.6 mg
SennaGen: Sennosides 8.6 mg
Senokot®: Sennosides 8.6 mg
Tablet, chewable, oral:
Black Draught®: Sennosides 10 mg
Evac-U-Gen®: Sennosides 10 mg
ex-lax®: Sennosides USP 15 mg [chocolate flavor]
Pricing: U.S. (www.drugstore.com)
Tablets (Senna-Gen)
8.6 mg (100): $11.99
International Brand Names
Lexi-Comp.com
Last full review/revision January 2012
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