About sennoside
Stimulant laxative
Used for
- Short-term relief of occasional constipation
- Bowel emptying before some medical procedures
Usual adult dose
Constipation: usually 15–30 mg once daily at bedtime; follow the product label.
Usual dose in children
Children aged 6–11 years: usually 7.5–15 mg once daily; under 6, use only with medical guidance.
Common side effects
- Abdominal cramps or discomfort
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Urine may turn reddish-brown
Important warnings
- Use briefly; prolonged use can cause dependence or electrolyte imbalance.
- Avoid with bowel obstruction, severe abdominal pain, or unexplained vomiting.
- Seek medical assessment for persistent constipation or blood in stool.
- Do not combine with other laxatives unless advised.
Pregnancy
Occasional use is generally considered acceptable, but other measures or medicines may be preferred.
Breastfeeding
Generally considered compatible; monitor the infant for diarrhea.
Interactions
- Diuretics or corticosteroids may increase electrolyte-loss risk.
- Digoxin toxicity risk may rise if prolonged use causes low potassium.
- Other laxatives can increase diarrhea and dehydration risk.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.