Senna

Recently Answered

• QWhat is the generic version of senna?

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  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.
• QAre senna supplements safe for pregnant or nursing women?

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  A Dr. Tieraona Low Dog, MD , General Practice, answered

  

  Senna supplements are used as stimulating laxatives for constipation, but it's considered safe for short term, occasional use in pregnant or nursing women. In this video, integrative medicine specialist Tieraona Low Dog, MD, explains the guidelines.
• QAre senna supplements safe for pregnant or nursing women?

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  A RealAge answered

  Senna supplements appear to be safe during pregnancy when used on a short-term basis, only as directed, although there is still some concern over it and the American Pregnancy Association considers it possibly unsafe. There is still some question as to whether it is passed along in breast milk. If you decide to use senna while  pregnant or breastfeeding, check with your doctor and be sure to follow all label instructions.
• QWhat are senna supplements?

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  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.

• QWho should not take senna?

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  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.

• QHow fast does senna work?

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  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.

  Senna tea starts to work within 1-3 hours of ingesting. It isn't recommended for anyone on a regular basis, for a one time use it can be used for a laxative when constipated.

   

• 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 should I avoid while taking senna?

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  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.
  
  
• QHow should I take senna?

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  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.
  
  
• QWhat happens if I miss a dose of senna?

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  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.