Skip to content

Senna

    Brands

    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

    Intestinal irritant and stimulant

    Indicated for treatment of Constipation

    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

    • Abdominal pain
    • Diarrhea
    • Electrolyte abnormalities, including hypokalemia
    • Excessive bowel activity
    • Finger clubbing (long-term use)
    • Melanosis coli
    • Nausea
    • Nephritis
    • Yellow-brown urine discoloration

    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 category: C

    Lactation: Not excreted in milk; compatible;

    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

    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