Senna Plus 8.6-50mg Tablets

Senna (sennosides) acts as a stimulant laxative by irritating the bowel mucosa, stimulating colonic peristalsis and fluid secretion, leading to increased bowel motility and stool propulsion. Docusate sodium acts as a stool softener (surfactant laxative) by lowering the surface tension of the stool, allowing water and fats to penetrate and mix with the fecal material, making the stool softer and easier to pass.

Urgent Side Effects: Seek Medical Help Right Away
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical attention, as they may be signs of a severe and potentially life-threatening reaction:

* Signs of an allergic reaction, such as:
+ Rash
+ Hives
+ Itching
+ Red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever
+ Wheezing
+ Tightness in the chest or throat
+ Trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking
+ Unusual hoarseness
+ Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat

Other Possible Side Effects
Like all medications, this drug can cause side effects. While many people may not experience any side effects or only minor ones, it's essential to monitor your body's response. If you have any side effects that bother you or persist, contact your doctor for guidance.

Reporting Side Effects
This list is not exhaustive, and you may experience other side effects not mentioned here. If you have questions or concerns about side effects, consult your doctor. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch. Your doctor is available to provide medical advice about side effects, so don't hesitate to reach out.

Before Taking This Medication: Important Information to Share with Your Doctor

It is essential to inform your doctor about the following:

Any allergies you have, including allergies to this medication, its components, or other substances, such as foods or drugs. Be sure to describe the allergic reaction and its symptoms.
Certain health issues, including:
+ Bowel obstruction
+ Abdominal pain
+ Upset stomach
+ Rectal bleeding
+ Vomiting
+ Changes in bowel habits that persist for more than 2 weeks
* If you are currently taking mineral oil

This list is not exhaustive, and it is crucial to discuss all your medications (prescription, over-the-counter, natural products, and vitamins) and health problems with your doctor and pharmacist. They will help determine if it is safe to take this medication with your other medications and health conditions. Never start, stop, or adjust the dosage of any medication without first consulting your doctor.

It is essential to inform all your healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists, that you are taking this medication.

Do not use this medication for a period exceeding 1 week unless your doctor has specifically instructed you to do so.

Additionally, refrain from using other laxatives or stool softeners concurrently with this drug, unless you have been advised to do so by your doctor.

If you experience rectal bleeding or fail to have a bowel movement after using this medication, it is crucial that you consult with your doctor.

If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are currently breast-feeding, you must discuss this with your doctor. This conversation will help determine the benefits and risks associated with using this medication for both you and your baby.

• Mineral oil (Docusate can increase absorption of mineral oil, leading to potential systemic toxicity like lipid pneumonia. Avoid concomitant use.)

• Diuretics (Thiazide, loop diuretics): Increased risk of hypokalemia due to excessive fluid and electrolyte loss with prolonged laxative use.
• Corticosteroids: Increased risk of hypokalemia with prolonged laxative use.
• Cardiac glycosides (e.g., Digoxin): Hypokalemia induced by laxative abuse can potentiate digoxin toxicity.
• Antiarrhythmics (e.g., Quinidine): Hypokalemia can increase risk of arrhythmias.

• Oral contraceptives: Senna may theoretically reduce absorption due to accelerated transit time, but clinical significance is generally low.
• Other oral medications: Rapid transit time induced by Senna may theoretically reduce absorption of other orally administered drugs, especially those with narrow therapeutic windows or requiring extensive absorption time.

• Abdominal pain or cramping (severe or persistent)
• Nausea or vomiting
• Rectal bleeding
• No bowel movement after 7 days of use
• Signs of dehydration (e.g., thirst, dry mouth, decreased urination, dizziness)
• Weakness or muscle cramps (suggestive of electrolyte imbalance)

Generally considered for short-term use in pregnancy when lifestyle modifications are insufficient, but always consult a healthcare provider. Docusate is often preferred as a first-line agent. Senna is considered a Category C drug, meaning animal studies have shown an adverse effect on the fetus, but there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in humans. However, it is widely used and generally considered safe for short-term use under medical supervision.

Docusate is considered compatible with breastfeeding (L2). Senna metabolites (rhein) are excreted in breast milk in small amounts, but generally not associated with adverse effects in breastfed infants (L3). Use with caution and monitor infant for diarrhea. Short-term use is generally acceptable under medical guidance.

Not recommended for children under 6 years of age without consulting a doctor. Dosing for children 6-12 years should be carefully followed. Prolonged use in children can lead to laxative dependence and electrolyte imbalances.

Use with caution in elderly patients, as they may be more susceptible to fluid and electrolyte imbalances, especially with prolonged use. Start with the lowest effective dose and monitor hydration status and bowel habits closely. Avoid prolonged use.

• This combination product is useful for constipation where both stool softening and bowel stimulation are needed, particularly in patients with hard, dry stools and sluggish bowel movements.
• Advise patients to drink plenty of fluids (at least 6-8 glasses of water daily) to enhance the effectiveness of the stool softener and prevent dehydration.
• Senna can cause harmless discoloration of urine (yellow-brown or reddish-brown) and feces (yellow).
• Prolonged or excessive use of stimulant laxatives like Senna can lead to laxative dependence, electrolyte disturbances (especially hypokalemia), and damage to the colonic nerves (cathartic colon). Advise against long-term use.
• This product is for occasional constipation. If constipation persists for more than 7 days, or if severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or rectal bleeding occurs, patients should discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional.

• Bulk-forming laxatives (e.g., Psyllium, Methylcellulose)
• Osmotic laxatives (e.g., Polyethylene glycol, Lactulose, Magnesium hydroxide)
• Other stimulant laxatives (e.g., Bisacodyl, Castor oil)
• Other stool softeners (e.g., Docusate calcium)
• Lubricant laxatives (e.g., Mineral oil - generally not recommended due to safety concerns)

If your symptoms or health issues persist or worsen, it is essential to contact your doctor for further guidance. To ensure your safety, never share your medication with others or take someone else's medication. Some medications may come with an additional patient information leaflet, so it's a good idea to check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions or concerns about this medication, don't hesitate to discuss them with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. In the event of a suspected overdose, immediately call your local poison control center or seek emergency medical attention. When seeking help, be prepared to provide detailed information about the overdose, including the substance taken, the amount, and the time it occurred.