Classes
DEA Class; OTC
Common Brand Names; Senokot, ExLax Regular Strength, Lax Pills, Little Tummys Stimulant Laxative Drops, Senexon, SennaGen, Senna Smooth, ExLax Maximum Strength, SenokotXTRA
- Laxatives, Stimulant
Description
Intestinal irritant and stimulant
Indications
Indicated for treatment of Constipation
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity
GI obstruction or perforation
Ulcerative colitis
Symptoms of appendicitis or acute surgical abdomen
Acute intestinal inflammation (Chron’s disease)
Fecal impaction
GI or rectal bleeding
Adverse Effects
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Electrolyte abnormalities, including hypokalemia
- Excessive bowel activity
- Finger clubbing (long-term use)
- Melanosis coli
- Nausea
- Nephritis
- Yellow-brown urine discoloration
Warnings
Not recommended in patients experiencing sudden change in bowel movements lasting >2 weeks, stomach pain, or nausea or vomiting
15 mg/kg dose potentially toxic in children <6 years
Over-the-counter use not recommended in children <2 years
Pregnancy and Lactation
Pregnancy category: C
Lactation: Not excreted in milk; compatible;
Maximum Dosage
Constipation
15 mg PO once daily; not to exceed 70-100 mg/day divided q12hr
Not for use >1 week
Senna Leaf Extract
362-1056 mg PO qDay
Bowel Preparation
Various regimens exist that include senna laxative with additional gastric lavage
Usual dose: 130 mg PO between 2:00 and 4:00 PM in afternoon of day before procedure
How supplied
Senna
tablet
8.6mg
15mg
25mg
chewable tablet
10mg
15mg
liquid
8.8mg/5mL
concentrated oral drops
8.8mg/mL
syrup
8.8mg/5mL
senna leaves
454g
