Senna Plus

Generic name: Docusate Sodium and Sennosides

Drug class: Laxatives

Dosage form: Oral tablets

Root of administration: Oral

Dose: Adults and children 12 years and older: 2 tablets once a day, preferably at bedtime; increase as needed, or as directed by a doctor. Maximum dose: 4 tablets twice a day. Children 6 to under 12 years: 1 tablet once a day; increase as needed, or as directed by a doctor. Maximum dose: 2 tablets twice a day. Children 2 to under 6 years: 1/2 tablet once a day; increase as needed, or as directed by a doctor. Maximum dose: 1 tablet twice a day. Children under 2 years: Consult a doctor. Do not use for more than one week unless directed by a doctor.

Mechanism of action: Docusate sodium is a stool softener that increases the amount of water the stool absorbs in the gut, making the stool softer and easier to pass. Sennosides are stimulant laxatives that stimulate the muscles of the bowel to promote bowel movements.

Drug usage cases:

• Relieves occasional constipation (irregularity)
• Generally produces a bowel movement in 6 to 12 hours

Drug contraindications:

• Hypersensitivity to docusate sodium, sennosides, or any component of the formulation
• Abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting
• Sudden change in bowel habits lasting over two weeks
• Rectal bleeding or failure to have a bowel movement after use of a laxative
• Children under 2 years of age (consult a doctor)
• Concurrent use with mineral oil unless directed by a doctor

Side effects:

• Stomach/abdominal pain or cramping
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Weakness
• Urine discoloration (reddish-brown) – harmless and will disappear when the medication is stopped
• Gas, bloating
• Muscle cramps or weakness
• Irregular heartbeat
• Dizziness
• Decreased urination
• Mental/mood changes (such as confusion)
• Severe allergic reactions: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing

Warnings:

• Do not use for more than one week unless directed by a doctor
• Consult a doctor before use if you have abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting
• Consult a doctor before use if you are taking mineral oil
• Consult a doctor before use if you have noticed a sudden change in bowel habits that lasts over two weeks
• Stop use and consult a doctor if you have rectal bleeding or fail to have a bowel movement after use of a laxative
• Use with caution in patients with gastrointestinal conditions such as appendicitis, inflammatory bowel disease, or intestinal obstruction
• Use with caution in patients with electrolyte imbalances
• Use with caution in patients with renal impairment
• Use with caution in patients with heart disease due to potential electrolyte disturbances
• Use with caution in patients with a history of eating disorders due to potential for misuse

Use during pregnancy or breastfeeding: Consult a healthcare professional before use if pregnant or breastfeeding. Senna is possibly safe when taken by mouth during pregnancy for up to one week. Small amounts of senna cross into breast milk, but it doesn’t seem to be a problem for nursing babies. As long as senna is used in recommended amounts, it doesn’t cause changes in the babies’ stools.