Senna Glycosides
About Senna Glycosides
Senna Glycosides belongs to the group of medicines called laxatives, used for the short-term relief of constipation. Constipation refers to infrequent bowel movements with stools that are often dry, hard, and difficult to pass.
Senna Glycosides contains Sennosides or Senna Glycosides (dried leaves of the senna plant), which are stimulant laxatives. They work by stimulating the muscles of the intestines and helping retain water in the bowel, making stools softer and promoting easier bowel movements.
Take Senna Glycosides with or without food. You are advised to take Senna Glycosides exactly as suggested by your doctor, for as long as recommended based on your medical condition. In some cases, you may experience common side effects such as flatulence (wind), abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or brown discolouration of urine. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and will typically resolve on their own over time. However, if these side effects persist or become bothersome, please consult your doctor.
Do not take Senna Glycosides if you are allergic to any of its contents. Avoid taking Senna Glycosides for more than a week, as it may lead to dependence on bowel movements. Do not take Senna Glycosides if you have galactosemia (a galactose intolerance disorder). Consult your doctor before taking Senna Glycosides if you are pregnant or breastfeeding; your doctor will prescribe it only if the benefits outweigh the risks. Senna Glycosides should not be given to children unless suggested by a pediatric specialist. Inform your doctor if you have diabetes, bowel obstruction, inflammatory bowel disease, severe dehydration, kidney or heart problems, or if you need to undergo a colonoscopy.
Uses of Senna Glycosides
• Relieves Constipation: Senna Glycosides provides short-term relief from occasional constipation by stimulating bowel movements.
• Bowel Evacuation Before Medical Procedures: Senna Glycosides is often suggested to help empty the bowels before procedures such as colonoscopy, surgery, or imaging tests.
• Used in Certain Conditions: Under medical supervision, Senna Glycosides may be used to manage constipation associated with conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-C) or haemorrhoids, where softening the stool is beneficial.
Medicinal Benefits
Senna Glycosides contains Sennosides or Senna Glycosides, natural compounds from the senna plant. It is used to provide short-term relief from constipation by stimulating the intestinal muscles. This helps move stools through the bowels more easily and comfortably. Senna Glycosides also increases water in the intestines to soften stools. Relieving constipation reduces discomfort, bloating, and straining during bowel movements.
Directions for Use
- Senna Glycosides can be taken with or without food, as advised by your physician.
- It is usually taken once daily at bedtime, or as directed by your physician based on your medical condition.
- Swallow Senna Glycosides whole with a glass of water; do not chew or crush it.
- Always follow your physician’s instructions carefully to ensure safe and effective use.
Storage
Side Effects of Senna Glycosides
- Flatulence (gas)
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Brown discolouration of urine
Drug Warnings
Do not take Senna Glycosides if you are allergic to any of its ingredients. Avoid using it with antacid medicines; maintain at least a one-hour gap to prevent reduced effectiveness. Take Senna Glycosides only if suggested by your doctor. Talk to your doctor if you have no bowel movement or experience rectal bleeding after using Senna Glycosides. Do not use Senna Glycosides if you have galactosemia (a galactose intolerance disorder). Inform your doctor if you have diabetes, bowel obstruction, inflammatory bowel disease, severe dehydration, kidney or heart problems, or if you are scheduled for a colonoscopy. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, consult your doctor; they will prescribe Senna Glycosides only if the benefits outweigh the risks. Senna Glycosides should not be given to children unless suggested by a doctor. Do not use Senna Glycosides for more than a week, as it may lead to dependence on bowel movements.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Senna Glycosides may interact with blood thinners (such as warfarin), antidiuretics or water pills (such as furosemide), hormones (such as estrogen), and medications used to treat heart failure (such as digoxin).
Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Senna Glycosides may have interactions with irritable bowel syndrome, bowel obstruction, diabetes, rectal bleeding, galactosemia (galactose indigestion disorder), or heart or kidney disease.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionIt is generally recommended to avoid alcohol while taking Senna Glycosides. Alcohol can worsen dehydration and may increase the risk of side effects such as abdominal discomfort or cramps.
Pregnancy
cautionPlease consult your doctor before taking Senna Glycosides if you are pregnant. Your doctor will prescribe you Senna Glycosides if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
cautionPlease consult your doctor before taking Senna Glycosides if you are breastfeeding. Your doctor will prescribe you Senna Glycosides if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Driving
safeSenna Glycosides does impact on your ability to drive or operate machinery.
Liver
safe if suggestedPlease consult your doctor if you have a liver impairment or any concerns regarding this.
Kidney
safe if suggestedPlease consult your doctor if you have kidney impairment or any concerns regarding this.
Children
safe if suggestedSenna Glycosides can be given to children below 12 years only if suggested by a doctor. Always follow the doctor’s instructions on the correct dose and duration.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Get enough sleep to help your body function well.
- Exercise regularly and stay physically active to support healthy digestion.
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and other fluids.
- Maintain a balanced diet with fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Listen to your body and try to empty your bowels whenever you feel the urge.
- Include fibre-rich foods in your diet, such as whole-wheat bread, oatmeal, flaxseed, nuts, beans, lentils, fruits (berries, apples, oranges, bananas, pears, figs), and vegetables (broccoli, spinach, sweet potatoes, avocados).
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Constipation: Constipation refers to infrequent bowel movements, with stools that are often dry, hard, and painful to pass. It is generally defined as having fewer than three bowel movements in a week, though normal patterns can vary between people. Symptoms may include bloating, abdominal pain, and a feeling of incomplete bowel emptying. Constipation occurs when the muscle contractions in the large intestine slow down, making it more challenging to expel stools from the body. It can be linked to factors such as a sudden change in diet, low fibre intake, inadequate fluid intake, or lack of physical activity.
FAQs
Senna Glycosides belongs to the group of medicines called laxatives, used for the short-term relief of constipation.
Tell your doctor if you have a bowel disorder (such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis), heart disease, stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting. Consult your doctor before taking Senna Glycosides in these conditions.
Senna Glycosides is usually advised to take before bed to cause a bowel movement 6-12 hours later when you wake up. However, it is better to ask a doctor to know the right time to take Senna Glycosides.
Senna Glycosides contains Sennosides or Senna Glycosides (dried leaves of the senna plant), which are stimulant laxatives. They work by stimulating the muscles of the intestines and helping retain water in the bowel, making stools softer and promoting easier bowel movements.
It might take 6-12 hours for Senna Glycosides to show the effect of Senna Glycosides.
Diarrhoea might occur if Senna Glycosides is taken in larger doses. Drink lots of fluids and eat food rich in fibre if you experience diarrhoea. If you find blood in your stools (tarry stools) or experience excessive diarrhoea, consult your doctor. Do not take anti-diarrheal medicine on your own.
Do not take Senna Glycosides for more than a week, as it might lead to dependency on Senna Glycosides for a bowel movement. Taking Senna Glycosides for longer durations may also cause dehydration and an imbalance of fluids and salts in the body, which can affect the tightness of muscles in the intestine. If your bowel movements are irregular, even after taking Senna Glycosides for five days, consult your doctor.
Generally, Senna Glycosides is taken at bedtime to help stimulate a bowel movement in the morning. However, it's always best to consult with your doctor or pharmacist to determine the most suitable time for you to take Senna Glycosides, as they can provide personalized guidance based on your individual needs.
It is recommended to use Senna Glycosides for a short period, generally 3 to 7 days, and only when necessary. If you experience persistent constipation or don't see improvement after 3 days, consult your doctor for further guidance and alternative treatments.
Common side effects of Senna Glycosides include flatulence (gas), abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and brown discolouration of urine. These side effects are usually temporary and do not require medical attention. However, if you experience any of these symptoms persistently, it is important to consult your doctor for further guidance and support. They can help you manage any discomfort and ensure your safety.
Senna Glycosides, a natural laxative, may be safe for children to take in appropriate doses and under medical supervision. However, it is essential to consult a doctor before giving Senna Glycosides to children, as they may have specific needs and requirements.
