Larger doses have been used to treat/prevent opioid-induced constipation. Consult labeling of individual OTC products for more specific dosing information.
PO (Adults ): 17.2–50 mg 1–2 times daily.
PO (Children 12–17 yr): 17.6–26.4 mg 1–2 times daily
PO (Children 6–11 yr): 8.8–13.2 mg 1–2 times daily.
PO (Children 2–6 yr): 4.4–6.6 mg 1–2 times daily.
US Brand Names⬆⬇
Ex-Lax, Senokot
Action⬆⬇
Active components of senna (sennosides) alter water and electrolyte transport in the large intestine, resulting in accumulation of water and increased peristalsis.
Therapeutic effects:
Laxative action.
Classifications⬆⬇
Therapeutic Classification: laxatives
Pharmacologic Classification: stimulant laxatives
Pharmacokinetics⬆⬇
Absorption: Minimally absorbed following oral administration.
Distribution: Unknown.
Metabolism/Excretion: Unknown.
Half-Life: Unknown.
Time/Action Profile⬆⬇
(laxative effect)
ROUTE
ONSET
PEAK
DURATION
PO
6–12 hr‡
unknown
3–4 days
‡May take as long as 24 hr.
Patient/Family Teaching⬆⬇
Explain purpose and side effects of medication to patient. Advise patient to read Patient Information before starting therapy.
Advise patient to notify health care provider of all Rx or OTC medications, vitamins, or herbal products being taken and to consult with health care provider before taking other medications.
Advise patient that laxatives should be used only for short-term therapy. Long-term therapy may cause electrolyte imbalance and dependence.
Encourage patient to use other forms of bowel regulation, such as ↑ fluid intake and fiber in the diet, and ↑ mobility. Normal bowel habits are individualized and may vary from 3 times/day to 3 times/wk.
Inform patient that this medication may cause a change in urine color to pink, red, violet, yellow, or brown.
Instruct patients with cardiac disease to avoid straining during bowel movements (Valsalva maneuver).
Advise patient not to use laxatives when abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or fever is present.
Rep: Advise women of reproductive potential to notify health care provider if pregnancy is planned or suspected or if breastfeeding.
Pronunciation⬆⬇
SEN-na
Code⬆
NDC Code
16103- Pharbest Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
16103-363- Senna Tabs
16103-363-08- 100 TABLET, FILM COATED in 1 BOTTLE, PLASTIC (16103-363-08)
16103- Pharbest Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
16103-363- Senna Tabs
16103-363-11- 1000 TABLET, FILM COATED in 1 BOTTLE, PLASTIC (16103-363-11)
17856- ATLANTIC BIOLOGICALS CORP.
17856-0363- Senna Tabs
17856-0363-1- 100 POUCH in 1 BOX, UNIT-DOSE (17856-0363-1) / 1 TABLET, FILM COATED in 1 POUCH (17856-0363-3)
17856- ATLANTIC BIOLOGICALS CORP.
17856-0363- Senna Tabs
17856-0363-2- 100 POUCH in 1 BOX, UNIT-DOSE (17856-0363-2) / 1 TABLET, FILM COATED in 1 POUCH (17856-0363-4)
17856- ATLANTIC BIOLOGICALS CORP.
17856-1127- OneLAX SENNA
17856-1127-1- 120 SYRINGE in 1 BOX, UNIT-DOSE (17856-1127-1) / 2.5 mL in 1 SYRINGE (17856-1127-5)
17856- ATLANTIC BIOLOGICALS CORP.
17856-1127- OneLAX SENNA
17856-1127-2- 72 CUP, UNIT-DOSE in 1 BOX, UNIT-DOSE (17856-1127-2) / 5 mL in 1 CUP, UNIT-DOSE (17856-1127-6)
17856- ATLANTIC BIOLOGICALS CORP.
17856-1127- OneLAX SENNA
17856-1127-3- 72 CUP, UNIT-DOSE in 1 BOX, UNIT-DOSE (17856-1127-3) / 10 mL in 1 CUP, UNIT-DOSE (17856-1127-7)
17856- ATLANTIC BIOLOGICALS CORP.
17856-1127- OneLAX SENNA
17856-1127-4- 72 CUP, UNIT-DOSE in 1 BOX, UNIT-DOSE (17856-1127-4) / 15 mL in 1 CUP, UNIT-DOSE (17856-1127-8)
17856- Atlantic Biologicals Corp.
17856-8127- OneLAX SENNA
17856-8127-2- 50 CUP, UNIT-DOSE in 1 CASE (17856-8127-2) / 5 mL in 1 CUP, UNIT-DOSE
43063- PD-Rx Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
43063-838- Senna Laxative
43063-838-10- 10 TABLET, FILM COATED in 1 BOTTLE, PLASTIC (43063-838-10)
43063- PD-Rx Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
43063-838- Senna Laxative
43063-838-30- 30 TABLET, FILM COATED in 1 BOTTLE, PLASTIC (43063-838-30)
68094- Precision Dose, Inc.
68094-049- SENNA
68094-049-62- 3 TRAY in 1 CASE (68094-049-62) / 10 CUP, UNIT-DOSE in 1 TRAY / 5 mL in 1 CUP, UNIT-DOSE (68094-049-59)