Senna Tablets

What Are Senna Tablets?

Senna Tablets are stimulant laxatives taken for short-term relief of occasional constipation. Their active ingredient is Sennosides, derived from the Senna plant as a natural laxative, and each tablet contains the equivalent of 7.5mg.

Senna Tablets provide relief for infrequent or difficult bowel movements, hard or dry stools, and general stool-related discomfort. Because they are intended for occasional, short-term relief, it's recommended that you take additional steps to help prevent constipation. This includes dietary changes, increased physical activity, and higher fluid intake.

How Do Sennosides Work?

Sennosides are known as stimulant laxatives and act primarily in the large intestine. Once ingested, natural bacteria in the colon convert sennosides into metabolites that speed stool movement through the bowel and increase its water content. These combined actions make passing stools much easier.

How Long Do Senna Tablets Take to Work?

Senna Tablets generally take 6-12 hours to result in a bowel movement. The medication needs time to reach the colon before it can trigger a bowel movement. This is why taking Senna Tablets before bedtime is encouraged, as the process can occur overnight, with a bowel movement the following morning.

The exact time frame can vary from person to person. If your constipation hasn't improved or has worsened after three days, speak to your clinician.

How Effective Are Senna Tablets for Constipation?

Clinical trials show Senna Tablets are very effective, and the MHRA recognises them as such. One trial reported that nearly 70% of patients taking 1g of senna reported improved constipation symptoms. A separate study researching various over-the-counter constipation treatments gave Senna Tablets a Grade A under their grading system, noting their effectiveness.

How to Take Senna Tablets

Take one or two tablets at bedtime with a drink of water. Avoid administering at a different time of day. If administering to an adult with incontinence, their pads should be changed more frequently to prevent extended skin contact with faeces.

If you are new to Senna Tablets, you should begin treatment at the lowest dose, increasing it if necessary. Once your bowels have returned to normal, stop taking the tablets.

How Long Can You Take Senna Tablets For?

Do not use Senna Tablets for longer than a week. You may use the medication two or three times during that week. Get in contact with your clinician if:

• Your symptoms persist or worsen during use
• You experience no bowel movements within three days of use
• You need to take laxatives every day
• You are passing blood
• Abdominal pain persists

If You Take Too Many Senna Tablets

If you have accidentally taken too many tablets, consult your clinician for advice. Taking too many may lead to 'lazy bowel', where the muscles in the bowel become too relaxed, causing bowel emptying to happen less often and leading to long-term constipation.

If You Forget a Dose

If you miss a dose, take your next dose at the usual time - never take or give a double dose; simply carry on with the recommended schedule. If you have any further questions, ask your clinician.

Senna Tablets Side Effects and Cautions

Any medication can cause side effects, and Senna Tablets are no different. Not everyone will experience them, but it is still important to know what could occur before starting treatment.

Possible Side Effects of Senna Tablets

If any of the following or other side effects occur, stop taking this product and consult your doctor or pharmacist:

• Abdominal pain
• Spasms
• Diarrhoea
• Allergic reactions
• Hives
• Skin itchiness

Yellow or red-brown discolouration of urine may occur and is harmless.

If you experience difficulty breathing, stop taking this medicine and contact a doctor or go to the nearest accident and emergency department immediately.

Chronic Use of Sennosides

Overuse of Senna Tablets may damage your health. It could cause:

• Disturbances of electrolyte and mineral balances.
• Tremors, weakness, blurry vision, fainting, and kidney damage caused by dehydration.
• Improper colon function, causing it to stop responding to usual doses of laxatives, so you may need larger and larger amounts to produce bowel movements.
• Laxative dependency
• Pigmentation of the gastrointestinal tract

Senna Tablets Warnings and Interactions

There are a number of factors that will reduce your eligibility for Senna Tablets. Do not take Sennosides if you have:

• Allergies to Sennosides or any of the ingredients of this medicine
• A blockage or narrowing of the gastrointestinal tract or bowel
• Paralysis or a lack of muscle tone in the bowel
• Appendicitis, inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis
• Severe dehydration
• Persistent or undiagnosed abdominal complaints e.g. pain, nausea or vomiting
• Faecal impaction or rectal bleeding for which you don't know the cause, or blood in stools.
• Already taken a laxative and you are still constipated
• Had a sudden change in bowel habit that has lasted for more than 2 weeks
• Have a kidney or heart condition

If you are unsure if one or more of these applies to you, consult your clinician before taking this medicine.

Precautions Before Taking Sennosides

You must tell your clinician of any other medical conditions you suffer from, including kidney disorders and an intolerance to some sugars. These may affect your ability to take Senna Tablets.

Sennosides and Other Medicines

Certain other medications may impact and interact with Senna Tablets in undesirable ways. Inform your clinician if you are taking:

• Medicines for a heart condition
• Medicines prescribed by your doctor
• Medicines you have bought yourself
• Homoeopathic or herbal remedies

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

You must not take Senna Tablets if you are pregnant, may be pregnant or are planning to become pregnant. You must also not take them if you are breastfeeding.

Frequently Asked Questions About Senna Tablets