Senokot Tea

Senna is an herb that is also known by several other names, including Alexandrian Senna, Casse, Fan Xie Ye, Indian Senna, Khatoum Senna, Sen, Sena Alejandrina, Sennae Folium, Sennae Fructus, Sennosides, Tinnevelly Senna, and True Senna.

Senna is likely effective in alternative medicine as a help for occasional constipation in adults and children who are at least 2 years old.

Senna has been used in alternative medicine as a possibly effective help in emptying the bowel before a colonoscopy.

Other uses that have not been proven through research include weight loss, irritable bowel syndrome, hemorrhoids, and other conditions.

It is not clear if senna is effective in treating any medical condition. The FDA has not approved medicinal use of this product. Senna should not be used instead of medication prescribed by your doctor.

Senna is often sold as an herbal supplement. Many herbal compounds do not have regulated manufacturing standards, and some supplements on the market have been found to contain toxic metals or other drugs. Herbal/health supplements should be bought from a trustworthy source to reduce the risk of contamination.

Senna may also be used for purposes not listed in this product guide.

When thinking about using senna, talk to your doctor. You might also want to consult someone who is trained in herbal or health supplements.

If you decide to use senna, follow the instructions on the package or what your doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider says. Do not use more of this product than what is recommended on the label.

Swallow the tablet whole with a full glass of water, and do not crush, chew, or break it.

You must chew the chewable tablet before swallowing it.

Use the measuring device that comes with the liquid product to measure it (do not use a kitchen spoon).

Taking more than the recommended dose will not make this product work better and may lead to serious side effects.

Senna should help you have a bowel movement within 6 to 12 hours after you take it.

Do not use different forms of senna (tablets, liquids, and others) at the same time, as this could lead to an overdose.

Contact your healthcare provider if your constipation does not get better after 1 week of using senna, or if it worsens. Do not take senna for longer than 1 week unless your healthcare provider advises you to.

Store at room temperature, away from moisture, heat, and light.

Follow all instructions on the product label and package. Inform each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you are taking.

You should not use senna if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

• diarrhea;
• hemorrhoids;
• stomach pain;
• a blockage in your intestines;
• inflammatory bowel disease; or
• appendicitis.

Ask a doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider if it is safe for you to use this product if you have ever had:

• an electrolyte imbalance (such as low levels of potassium in your blood);
• any change in bowel habits that has lasted longer than 2 weeks;
• long-term bowel problems;
• stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting; or
• if you are taking mineral oil.

Ask a doctor before using this product if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Do not give any herbal/health supplement to a child without medical advice.

Get emergency medical help if you notice signs of an allergic reaction: hives, trouble breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Senna can cause serious side effects. Stop using senna and call your doctor right away if you experience:

• rectal bleeding;
• no bowel movement within 12 hours after using senna; or
• low blood potassium, which may include leg cramps, constipation, irregular heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, increased thirst or urination, numbness or tingling, muscle weakness, or feeling limp.

Common side effects of Senokot Tea may include:

• stomach pain, discomfort, or cramps;
• diarrhea, or a strong urge to have a bowel movement;
• nausea, gas; or
• changes in the color of your urine.

This is not a complete list of side effects, and others may happen. Contact your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You can report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

If you miss a dose, do not take it. Just take your next dose at the regular time.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose symptoms may include electrolyte imbalance (muscle spasms, changes in the shape of your fingers), muscle weakness, heart problems, liver damage, and other side effects.

Avoid taking this product within 2 hours before or after you take other medicines. Senna can make it harder for your body to absorb certain medicines you take by mouth.

Avoid using senna together with other herbal/health supplements that can lower potassium levels. This includes horsetail, licorice, aloe, buckthorn, gossypol, rhubarb, and other stimulant laxative herbs.

Do not use other laxatives while taking senna unless your doctor has told you to.

Do not take senna without medical advice if you are using the following medications:

• warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven); or
• a diuretic (water pill).

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect senna, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.