Senna

GP and surgeon, Dr Shane Charles (MBBS, MRCS, PgDip SEM) provides a simple explanation of the medication below:

'Senna contains senna glycoside and is used to give relief for constipation symptoms. '.

If you think Senna is a treatment that can help you, start an online consultation now for a registered prescriber to review. If treatment is deemed suitable, they can prescribe it, and we can deliver it to you from the comfort of your own home with a range of convenient delivery and payment options for you to choose from. If you have any questions about a medication, you should always consult your doctor with any questions prior to starting treatment, to ensure that it is safe and suitable for you.

Senna is a herbal medicinal product used to treat constipation and the discomfort associated with it.

Senna contains naturally-occurring laxatives, to increase the function of your bowel and digestive system to encourage your body to pass a stool.

Everyone gets constipated occasionally and while it may not be a dangerous ailment, it is an uncomfortable one. Constipation can lead to bloating, stomach ache, trapped wind and cramps, so to treat it quickly and efficiently with Senna is to get yourself feeling back to normal quickly.

Always follow the guidance given in the enclosed patient information leaflet and be sure to read it before commencing use of the medicine.

Take Senna by swallowing the tablets whole with a drink of water, with or without food.

Senna dosage

The recommended dose of Senna is to take 2 tablets, once a day (typically at bedtime). Do not give the medicine to children younger than six years old and do not take more than the recommended amount.

If you take more Senna than you should (either by taking too many tablets or by taking them for too long) then talk to your doctor. Overuse of this medicine can lead to a lazy bowel, which can cause long-term constipation.

If you still have no bowel movements after 3 days of taking Senna then contact a medical professional for advice.

Before taking this medication, you should always first check that it is suitable for you and any of your associated medical conditions. Do not take Senna if:

• If you are allergic to any of the ingredients
• If you have blockage or narrowing of the gastro-intestinal tract or bowel (ileus, intestinal obstruction or stenosis)
• If you have paralysis or lack of muscle tone in the bowel (atony)
• If you appendicitis, inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis
• If you have persistent or undiagnosed stomach complaints such as stomach pain, nausea and vomiting as well as constipation
• If you have kidney or heart problems
• If you are severely dehydrated
• If you have faecal impaction or rectal bleeding for which you don’t know the cause or blood in your stools
• If you have already taken a laxative and are still constipated
• If you have had a sudden change in bowel habit that has lasted for more than 2 weeks

Because of the way that medications interact with eachother, you should talk to a doctor before taking Senna if you are already taking any of the following medications:

• Medicines for heart problems or heart rhythm problems (e.g. cardiac glycosides, antiarrhythmic medicines such as quinidine)
• Medicines which may cause changes to your heartbeat (e.g. medicines including QY prolongation)
• Water tablets (diuretics)
• Corticosteroids (used or many conditions such as pain, swelling, allergy, asthma, rheumatism and skin problems)  
• Liquorice root preparations

Do not take Senna if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

The most common side effects of Senna are:

• Stomach pain
• Cramps
• Diarrhoea
• Urine may appear yellow or red-brown

You should cease using Senna immediately and contact your doctor if you experience any serious side effects or if you notice signs of an allergic reaction.

You can safely buy Senna online at UK Meds, without the need for a prescription or consultation with a medical professional, however you should adhere to the advice given in the patient leaflet enclosed.