sennoside at a glance
Medicine class
Stimulant laxative
Licensed use
Short-term relief of occasional constipation
Administration
Oral tablets that may be taken with or without food; maintain adequate fluid intake
Expected effect
The effect is delayed while sennosides reach and are activated in the colon
What is sennoside used for?
The selected UK products are licensed for:
Short-term relief of occasional constipation.
How does sennoside work?
Sennosides pass largely unchanged through the upper gut. Bacteria in the large intestine convert them into active compounds that increase colonic movement and promote water and electrolyte secretion into the bowel.
sennoside preparations and strengths
Tablet
Route: Oral
Strengths: 7.5 mg
How to take sennoside
Swallow tablets with water and follow the pack label or prescriber's directions. They can be taken with or without food. Drink enough fluid, and do not take the selected products alongside another laxative unless a healthcare professional has reviewed the treatment.
Do not use tablets for weight loss.
Seek advice if constipation persists or worsens, abdominal pain continues, or laxatives are needed regularly.
sennoside side effects
Common or expected effects
- Abdominal cramps or pain
- Diarrhoea
- Harmless red-brown discolouration of urine
Get urgent medical advice
- Severe allergic reaction, including swelling or breathing difficulty
- Severe or persistent diarrhoea causing dehydration
- Electrolyte disturbance, which may cause marked weakness, muscle spasms, twitching or seizures
- Persistent severe abdominal pain, especially with nausea or vomiting
sennoside in pregnancy
The selected Senokot tablet SmPCs contraindicate use during pregnancy because of experimental genotoxicity concerns involving some anthranoids. Broader UK pregnancy information states that stimulant laxatives such as senna may sometimes be considered after preferred options have not helped; a pharmacist, midwife or prescriber should select the appropriate treatment and product.
sennoside while breastfeeding
The selected Senokot tablet SmPCs contraindicate use during breastfeeding. Independent UK specialist guidance considers standardised senna preparations compatible with breastfeeding for healthy, full-term infants, with monitoring for diarrhoea or irritability; professional advice is needed to choose a suitable product.
sennoside interactions
The main concerns arise when diarrhoea or excessive use lowers potassium or disturbs other electrolytes.
Digoxin and other cardiac glycosides
Low potassium can increase their effects and risk of toxicity.
Antiarrhythmics and medicines that prolong the QT interval
Electrolyte disturbance may increase the risk of abnormal heart rhythms.
Common questions about sennoside
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Is sennoside the same as senna?
Sennosides are the active stimulant glycosides in standardised senna preparations. UK public information commonly refers to the medicine simply as senna.
How quickly does sennoside work?
Its effect is usually delayed for several hours because sennosides must reach the colon and be activated by bowel bacteria.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.