Senna

Recently Answered

• QWhat are senna supplements?

  1 Answer

  A

  

  A Mrs. Marjorie Nolan Cohn , Nutrition & Dietetics, answered on behalf of Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

  Senna is one of many herbal laxatives; it is often an ingredient in ‘diet teas.’ It stimulates the colon, and stimulates extreme diarrhea, nausea, and dehydration. Weight loss is a direct result of water loss, not fat loss. Drinking tea with senna is considered to be habit forming, as habit forming as using laxatives, making it impossible to have a bowl movement without it.

• QWhat is the generic version of senna?

  1 Answer

  A

  

  A Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answered

  Senna does have generic forms. Senna is a plant that provides the active ingredient in some laxatives.
  
  Ask your doctor or pharmacist about laxatives that contain senna or an ingredient equivalent to senna.
• QHow should I take senna?

  1 Answer

  A

  

  A Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answered

  The leaves or fruit of a senna plant can be made into tea. Because of the undesirable taste of senna, you may choose to sweeten or flavor the tea.
  
  In commercial laxatives, senna can be taken in many forms. It is available as a tablet and a liquid.
  
  To avoid serious side effects, follow the instructions on the senna package or take senna as directed by your doctor. Do not take senna or any other laxative for more than seven to 10 days, unless otherwise instructed by your doctor.
  
  
• QDo I need a prescription for senna?

  1 Answer

  A

  

  A Mrs. Marjorie Nolan Cohn , Nutrition & Dietetics, answered on behalf of Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

  Senna is one of many herbal laxatives; it is often an ingredient in ‘diet teas.’ It stimulates the colon, causing extreme diarrhea, nausea, and dehydration. Weight loss is a direct result of water loss, not fat loss. Drinking tea with senna is considered to be habit forming, as habit forming as using laxatives, making it impossible to have a bowl movement without it.

  Senna is not recommended for anyone on a regular basis, for a one time use it can be used for a laxative when constipated. It is an over-the-counter herb.

• QWhat happens if I miss a dose of senna?

  1 Answer

  A

  

  A Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answered

  If you forget to take a dose of senna, take senna as soon as you remember it. If it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, take only your next dose. Do not take two doses of senna at once.
  
  
• QWhat should I avoid while taking senna?

  1 Answer

  A

  

  A Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answered

  Do not take other laxatives or diuretics while taking senna. Do not take senna or any other laxative for more than seven to 10 days, unless otherwise instructed by your doctor.
  
  To avoid serious side effects, follow the instructions on the senna package or take senna as directed by your doctor.
  
  
• QWho should not take senna?

  1 Answer

  A

  

  A Mrs. Marjorie Nolan Cohn , Nutrition & Dietetics, answered on behalf of Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

  Senna is not recommended for anyone on a regular basis, for a one time use it can be used for a laxative when constipated.

  Senna is one of many herbal laxatives; it is often an ingredient in ‘diet teas.’ It stimulates the colon, and stimulates extreme diarrhea, nausea, and dehydration. Weight loss is a direct result of water loss, not fat loss. Drinking tea with senna is considered to be habit forming, as habit forming as using laxatives, making it impossible to have a bowl movement without it.

• QWhat are the possible side effects of senna supplements?

  1 Answer

  A

  

  A Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answered

  Common and mild side effects of senna include: stomach cramping or bloating, gas, mild diarrhea, slight numbness or tingling, joint pain and discolored urine and intestines. Most of these side effects should go away on their own, especially when you stop taking senna.
  
  Seek immediate medical attention if you experience more serious side effects, including chronically painful joints, weakened bones and muscles, weight loss, ball-like endings to fingers and toes, severe stomach pain and diarrhea, nausea, itchy skin, decreased appetite, a worsening of constipation, dark urine and red stools and jaundice.
  
  Some people have reported liver damage resulting from long-term use of senna. Others have seen a severe dip in potassium levels, which can result in confusion, abnormal heart rate and excessive thirst and urination. If you experience these side effects, seek immediate medical attention.
  
  
• QWhat are the warnings for senna supplements?

  1 Answer

  A

  

  A Mrs. Marjorie Nolan Cohn , Nutrition & Dietetics, answered on behalf of Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

  Senna is one of many herbal laxatives; it is often an ingredient in ‘diet teas.’ It stimulates the colon, causing extreme diarrhea, nausea, and dehydration. Weight loss is a direct result of water loss, not fat loss. Drinking tea with senna is considered to be habit forming, as habit forming as using laxatives, making it impossible to have a bowl movement without it.

  Senna is not recommended for anyone on a regular basis, for a one time use it can be used for a laxative when constipated.

   

• QWhat other drugs affect senna supplements?

  1 Answer

  A

  

  A Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answered

  Senna should not be taken with other laxatives, including prescription laxatives, over-the-counter laxatives and herbal laxatives like aloe, rhamnus and yellow dock.
  
  If you are taking digoxin or any blood thinners or diuretics, do not take senna without talking to your doctor. The combination of these drugs and senna can cause your potassium level to become dangerously low or may increase the risk of bleeding.