Senna / Sennosides

What is this medication for?

Senna / Sennosides is used to treat constipation. It usually takes 6 to 12 hours to work.

How should I take or use this medication?

• Take your medicine as prescribed by your healthcare professional.
• You may take this medicine with or without food. This medicine is best taken at bedtime.
• Senna generally causes bowel movement in 6 to 12 hours. Check with your healthcare professional if your symptoms do not go away.

What should I do if I forget to take or use this medication?

If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. Then take your next dose at the usual time. Do not take two doses to make up for the missed dose.

What precautions should I take when taking or using this medication?

Inform your healthcare professional if:

• You are allergic to this medication or any of the other ingredients of this medication.
• You are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
• You are taking any other medications, including supplements, traditional medications and herbal remedies.
• Inform your healthcare professional if you have either pre-existing and/or a history of bowel obstruction.

What are some common side effects of this medication? ​

Side effects of senna include abdominal cramps, diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting.

• If side effects are persistent, please consult your healthcare professional.

What are some rare but serious side-effects that I need to seek medical advice immediately? 

The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following:

• Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
• Difficulty in breathing
• Itchy skin rashes over your whole body

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medicine and see your healthcare professional immediately.

• Seek immediate medical attention should you experience rectal bleeding (including blackened stool) or bloody vomit, or should symptoms persist despite treatment.

What food or medication should I avoid when I take or use this medication?

Please inform your healthcare professionals if you are taking other medicines including traditional or herbal preparations.

How should I store this medication?

Store in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight. Keep this medication away from children. 

How do I throw away this medication safely? ​

For general waste: Pack this medicine into a black trash bag and seal it tightly before throwing into the rubbish chute or bin.