Senokot (Sennosides) is an over-the-counter medication used to treat occasional constipation. If left untreated, constipation can lead to serious complications like hemorrhoids, anal fissures, fecal impaction and rectal prolapse. Senokot may also be used to clean out the intestines before a bowel examination or surgery. The active ingredient in Senokot is Sennosides. Sennosides belong to a class of drugs called stimulant laxatives. It works by keeping water in the intestine to stimulate bowel movement. Senokot-S is a combination drug for treating constipation. The active ingredients in the medicine are Sennosides and Docusate. Docusate belongs to a class of medications called stool softeners. It works by increasing the amount of water in the stool, making it softer and easier to pass.
Manufacturer Information
We currently offer the brand Senokot and Senokot for women from Canada manufactured by Purdue in the strength of 8.6 mg tablets. The Senokot-S is also available from Canada by Purdue in the strength of 50mg/8.6 mg tablets. The generic Sennosides comes from Canada by a different manufacturer in the strength of 12mg tablets.
Get medical help immediately if you have any of these signs or an allergic reaction while taking Senokot. The most common side effects of Senokot may include the following:
• Abdominal pain;
• Diarrhea;
• Gas;
• Mild nausea;
• Reddish-brown urine
Contact your doctor right away if you have any of the severe side effects, including:
• Low potassium levels, including leg cramps, irregular heartbeat, increased thirst or urination, muscle weakness, numbness;
• No bowel movement;
• Rectal bleeding
These are not all of the side effects of Senokot. Always contact your doctor if you notice any unusual symptoms.
You should not take Senokot if you are allergic to Sennosides, Docusate, or any ingredient in Senokot. Before you start using this medication, tell your doctor about your medical history, especially if you:
• Are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed;
• Are pregnant or planning to be pregnant;
• Have a blockage in your digestive tract;
• Have an electrolyte imbalance;
• Have Crohn’s disease;
• Have had any change in bowel habits that has lasted longer than 2 weeks;
• Have heart disease;
• Have hemorrhoids
Tell your doctor about all your medications, including prescription, OTC, herbal supplements, and vitamins. There may be drug interactions between Senokot and birth control pills, diuretics, PEG laxatives, warfarin, digoxin, etc. Avoid albuterol, furosemide, tramadol, or prednisone with Senokot. Avoid taking Senokot within two hours of taking other medications. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Your doctor will consider whether Senokot is safe during pregnancy and prescribe a lower dose. Inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed. Senokot passes into breast milk in trace amounts and should not cause side effects for a nursing infant. Take Senokot precisely as prescribed by your doctor. Take Senokot with a full glass of water. It is best to take this medicine at night or bedtime. Senokot should cause a bowel movement within 6 to 12 hours. Call your doctor if your constipation does not improve or if it worsens. Do not take Senokot for more than 7 days in a row. Long-term use of the drug may cause your bowels to stop functioning normally. Keep this medicine out of sight and reach of children. Store at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.
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