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*Rogers Healthcare Group, Rogers Publishing, Drugstore Canada, April 2010.
**The Medical Post. OTC Counselling & Recommendations. Survey 2009/2010. May 4, 2010.
What is Senna?
You can find natural source senna in the Senokot® Family of laxatives. The natural source senna in all
Senokot® products provide comfortable, overnight relief from occasional constipation. The
laxative effects of the senna plant have been identified as sennosides (senna glycosides).
Senna in Senokot® is the deseeded and dried pods of Cassia acutifolia Delile known as Alexandria
senna. Traditionally, senna has been used in herbal medicine for the short-term relief of
occasional constipation.
How does it work?
Senna glycosides are transported to the bowel, where they are transformed by enzymes produced by colon
bacteria. Without this transformation by colon bacteria, senna would remain inactive. The action of the
senna stays within the large intestine. The senna then stimulates a series of wave-like contractions
called peristalsis, therefore resulting in a bowel movement.
Dosing Recommendations
2 - 4 tablets,
1 - 2 times per day, taken at bedtime as required
(Maximum 4 tablets twice a day)
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6 - 12 years
1 - 2 tablets,
1 - 2 times per day, taken preferably at bedtime
(Not to exceed 2 tablets twice a day)
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1 - 2 tablets,
1 - 2 times per day, taken preferably at bedtime
(Not to exceed 2 tablets twice a day)
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2 - 3 teaspoons (10-15 mL), 1 -2 times per day, taken at bedtime as required
(Maximum 15 mL twice a day)
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6 - 12 years
1-2 teaspoons (5-10 mL), 1 - 2 times per day, taken preferably at bedtime
(Not to exceed 10 mL twice a day)
Adjust dosage as necessary.
2 - 5 years
1/2-1 teaspoon (3-5 mL) 1-2 times per day
Adjust dosage as necessary.
(Maximum 5 mL twice a day). < 2 years
Consult physician
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1 - 2 teaspoons (5-10 mL), 1 - 2 times per day, taken preferably at bedtime
(Maximum 10 mL twice a day)
Adjust dosage as necessary.
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1 - 2 tablets taken at bedtime, as required
(Maximum 4 tablets twice a day)
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6 - 12 years
1/2 -1 tablet taken at bedtime
(Not to exceed 2 tablets twice a day)
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1/2 - 1 tablet taken at bedtime
(Not to exceed 2 tablets twice a day)
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Please refer to Senokot® Product Licenses (January 2010) and Senokot®•S prescribing
information for full dosing information and precautions (December 2008).
SENOKOT GENERALLY STARTS TO WORK:
Evacuation (bowel movement) generally occurs within 6-12 hours following ingestion. The correct
dose of the sennosides-containing laxatives is the smallest required to produce comfortable
soft-formed stool and varies between individuals.
RECOMMENDED USE Senokot®:
For relief of functional constipation (occasional or constipation
that does not happen all the time). The natural source senna in all Senokot products provides
comfortable, overnight relief from occasional constipation.
RECOMMENDED USE Senokot•S®:
For the relief of functional constipation through combined stool
softening and peristaltic stimulation. Specifically indicated for postpartum patients, for
use by patients with heart disease where straining at stool must be avoided, and in constipation
in the presence of hemorrhoids, anal fissures or other conditions where hard dry stools may cause discomfort.
Important Information You Should Know.
When not to use a laxative: Do not use a laxative if you have intestinal obstructions
and/or stenosis, atony, appendicitis, inflammatory colon disease (e.g. Crohn's Disease, ulcerative colitis),
abdominal pain of unknown origin, and/or a severe dehydration state with water and electrolyte depletion.
CAUTIONS AND WARNINGS: If sharp pains in the bowel (griping) occur, subsequent dosage should be reduced.
If you are pregnant or nursing, seek the advice of a healthcare practitioner prior to using any laxative.
Rectal bleeding or failure to have a bowel movement after use of a laxative may indicate a serious condition.
Discontinue use and consult a physician. Remember, do not use a laxative in the presence of abdominal pain,
nausea, fever or vomiting unless directed by a physician. Administer to children as directed. As with all
medicine, keep out of children's reach. Overuse or extended use of laxatives may cause dependence for bowel
function. Do not take any laxative for more than a week - unless your physician has ordered a special schedule.
When taking a laxative, remember that it should not be taken within two hours of another medicine because
the desired effect of the other medicine may be reduced. Consult a healthcare professional prior to use if
you are taking heart medications, diuretics, adrenocorticosteroids, licorice root or other health products
that may aggravate electrolyte imbalance. If taking a laxative with docusate sodium do not take it together
with mineral oil since the docusate sodium component may increase absorption of oil. Symptoms and treatment
of overdosage: Prolonged use or overdosage with any stimulant laxative, including those containing senna,
may cause diarrhea, leading to excessive water loss and possible electrolyte imbalance. In case of accidental
overdose, seek professional advice by contacting a Regional Poison Control Centre and/or your physician and/or
your local emergency number immediately, or go to your local hospital emergency, even if you do not notice any
signs or symptoms.
Please read and follow information on the label to be sure this product is suitable for you.
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