SenoSol

Senna is an herb that is also known by several 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 useful in alternative medicine for treating occasional constipation in adults and children who are at least 2 years old.

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

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

It is not certain whether senna is effective for treating any medical condition. The FDA has not approved its medicinal use. 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 marketed supplements have been found to contain toxic metals or other drugs. To reduce the risk of contamination, herbal/health supplements should be bought from a trustworthy source.

Senna may also be used for purposes that are not mentioned in this product guide.

When thinking about using senna, talk to your doctor. You may also want to consult a practitioner who specializes in herbal or health supplements.

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

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 provided to measure the liquid product (not a kitchen spoon).

Taking more than your recommended dose will not make this product work better and may cause serious side effects.

Senna should cause 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 improve after 1 week of using senna, or if your constipation worsens. Do not take senna for more than 1 week unless your healthcare provider has instructed you to do so.

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

Follow all instructions on the product label and package. Inform all your healthcare providers about 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 have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, trouble breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

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

• rectal bleeding;
• no bowel movement within 12 hours after using senna; or
• low blood potassium--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 SenoSol may include:

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

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

If you miss a dose, just skip it and take your next dose at the regular time.

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

Signs of overdose may include electrolyte imbalance (muscle spasms, changes in the shape of your fingers), muscle weakness, heart issues, 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 some medicines you take by mouth.

Avoid using senna with other herbal or 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 instructed 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.