Senna

Senna relieves occasional constipation. Can cause stomach cramps.

Senna Overview

Reviewed: July 17, 2014
Updated: 

Senna is a flowering plant. Sennosides derived from the leaves of the senna plant are used as a stimulant laxative. 

Senna is used most often for occasional constipation. 

Senna is thought to work by irritating bowel tissue, resulting in bowel movements. 

Common side effects of senna include stomach cramps and discomfort. 

Senna Cautionary Labels

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precautions

Uses

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Senna is used most often for occasional constipation

Senna may be used for other conditions. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Side Effects of Senna

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Common side effects of senna include the following:

  • Stomach cramps and discomfort

This is not a complete list of senna side effects. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Tell your doctor if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.

Senna Interactions

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Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Especially tell your doctor if you take:

  • Digoxin (Lanoxin) 
  • Diuretic drugs (water pills such as hydrochlorothaize, furosemide, and chorthalidone) 

This is not a complete list of senna drug interactions. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Senna Precautions

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Special precautions & warnings:

  • Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before using senna if you are pregnant, breast-feeding, or trying to become pregnant. 
  • Ask doctor before use if you have stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, or notice a sudden change in bowel habits that lasts for 2 weeks or more.
  • Do not use for longer than 1 week unless directed by a doctor. Long-term use can cause electrolyte imbalance (imbalance of potassium, sodium, chloride in the body)
  • Stop use and ask a doctor if you do not have a bowel movement after taking senna or develop rectal bleeding.