Drug Action
Senna is a stimulant laxative. After metabolism of sennosides in the gut the anthrone component stimulates peristalsis thereby increasing the motility of the large intestine.
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Drug reference
Senna is a stimulant laxative. After metabolism of sennosides in the gut the anthrone component stimulates peristalsis thereby increasing the motility of the large intestine.
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Constipation ▶BY MOUTH USING TABLETS ▶Child 6–17 years: 7.5–30 mg once daily, adjusted according to response ▶Adult: 7.5–15 mg daily (max. per dose 30 mg daily), dose usually taken at bedtime; initial dose should be low then gradually increased, higher doses may be prescribed under medical supervision ▶BY MOUTH USING SYRUP ▶Child 1 month–3 years: 3.75–15 mg once daily, adjusted according to response Gastro-intestinal system ▶Child 4–17 years: 3.75–30 mg once daily, adjusted according to response ▶Adult: 7.5–15 mg once daily (max. per dose 30 mg daily), dose usually taken at bedtime, higher doses may be prescribed under medical supervision Constipation (dose approved for use by community practitioner nurse prescribers) ▶BY MOUTH USING TABLETS ▶Child 6–17 years: 7.5–30 mg once daily, adjusted according to response ▶Adult: 15–30 mg daily, dose usually taken at night; initial dose should be low then gradually increased ▶BY MOUTH USING SYRUP ▶Child 2–3 years: 3.75–15 mg once daily, adjusted according to response ▶Child 4–17 years: 3.75–30 mg once daily, adjusted according to response ▶Adult: 15–30 mg once daily, dose usually taken at bedtime
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▶Onset of action 8–12 hours. l UNLICENSED USE Syrup not licensed for use in children under 2 years. Doses in BNF adhere to national guidelines and may differ from those in product literature.
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Atony. intestinal obstruction. undiagnosed abdominal pain
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NHS restrictions Senokot ® tablets are not prescribable in NHS primary care.
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Senna is on sale to the public for use in children over 12 years; doses on packs may vary from those in BNF Publications.
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Albuminuria. diarrhoea. electrolyte imbalance. fluid imbalance. gastrointestinal discomfort. haematuria. pseudomelanosis coli. skin reactions. urine discolouration SIDE-EFFECTS, FURTHER INFORMATION Prolonged or excessive use can cause hypokalaemia.
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g Specialist sources indicate suitable for use in pregnancy. k
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g Specialist sources indicate suitable for use in breast-feeding in infants over 1 month. k
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There can be variation in the licensing of different medicines containing the same drug. Oral solution ▶Senokot (Forum Health Products Ltd, Reckitt Benckiser Healthcare (UK) Ltd) Sennoside B (as Sennosides) 1.5 mg per 1 ml Senokot 7.5mg/5ml Syrup Pharmacy sugar-free | 500 ml p £5.98 DT = £5.98 Tablet ▶Senna (Non-proprietary) Sennoside B (as Sennosides) 7.5 mg Senna 7.5mg tablets | 20 tablet p £1.00 | 60 tablet p £2.11 DT = £2.09 | 100 tablet p £2.15 ▶Senokot (Reckitt Benckiser Healthcare (UK) Ltd, Forum Health Products Ltd) Sennoside B (as Sennosides) 7.5 mg Senokot 7.5mg tablets | 500 tablet p £12.50 Sennoside B (as Sennosides) 15 mg Senokot Max Strength 15mg tablets | 24 tablet G £3.23 | 48 tablet G £5.69 DT = £5.69
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Medicines for Children leaflet: Senna for constipation www.medicinesforchildren.org.uk/senna-constipation
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7.5–15 mg daily (max. per dose 30 mg daily),
First-line fragment. Read the complete Indications and Dose section above.
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7.5–15 mg once daily (max. per dose 30 mg
First-line fragment. Read the complete Indications and Dose section above.
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15–30 mg daily, dose usually taken at night;
First-line fragment. Read the complete Indications and Dose section above.
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15–30 mg once daily, dose usually taken at
First-line fragment. Read the complete Indications and Dose section above.
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