Senna is a medicine to treat constipation or constipation. This drug can also be used to clean dirt from the intestines before someone has surgery or an examination of the digestive tract.
Senna works by increasing bowel movements and decreasing the absorption of water by the digestive tract. This way of working will increase the frequency of bowel movements. Senna effects will appear within 8-12 hours after consumption.
To help deal with constipation, you are advised to maintain adequate fluid intake by drinking 8 glasses of water every day, eating high-fiber foods, and adopting an active lifestyle, for example by exercising regularly.
Senna trademarks: Senna Semesta Leaf, Herba Senna Aloe, GNC Herbal Plus Senna Leaf Extract, Senna
What is Sena
| class | Free medicine |
| Category | Purgative |
| Benefit | Overcoming constipation |
| Consumed by | Adults and children over 2 years of age |
| Senna for pregnant and lactating women |
Category C: Animal studies have shown an adverse effect on the fetus, but there have been no controlled studies in pregnant women. Drugs should only be used if the expected benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus.
Senna can be absorbed into breast milk. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without consulting your doctor first. |
| Drug form | Capsule |
Precautions Before Consuming Senna
Even though it is an over-the-counter drug, senna should not be consumed carelessly. The following are things you should pay attention to before consuming Senna:
- Do not take senna if you are allergic to this drug. Tell your doctor about any history of allergies you have.
- Do not take senna if you have or currently have ulcerative colitis , bleeding in the digestive tract, Crohn's disease , intestinal obstruction, or have symptoms of appendicitis .
- Talk to your doctor about using senna if you have or are suffering from heart disease , stomach pain, electrolyte disturbances , dehydration, or diarrhea .
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning a pregnancy.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking certain medications, supplements or herbal products.
- Immediately see a doctor if you experience an allergic drug reaction, overdose, or serious side effects after consuming senna.
Dosage and Rules for Using Senna
The following are senna dosages based on their intended use:
Purpose: Overcoming constipation
- Adult: 15–30 mg, 1-2 times daily.
- Children aged 2 – 6 years: 3.75–7.5 mg, once a day, consumed in the morning
- Children aged 6 – 12 years: 7.5–15 mg, once a day, consumed at night or in the morning
- Adolescents 12 years and over: 15–30 mg, once daily, taken before bed
Purpose: Preparation before intestinal surgery
- Adult: 105–157.5 mg, given before procedure
How to Take Senna Properly
Always follow the doctor 's recommendations and carefully read the instructions on the drug packaging before using senna.
Swallow senna capsules with the help of plain water. It is recommended to take senna at night before going to bed. Do not take senna beyond the recommended dosage.
Do not take senna for a long time. Immediately see a doctor if you still experience constipation after using senna for 3 days.
To avoid constipation, drink lots of water and adopt a balanced diet that has a high fiber content. Exercising regularly can also help the digestive tract move properly.
Store senna in a closed container, in a dry place, at room temperature, and avoid exposure to direct sunlight. Keep senna out of reach of children.
Senna Interactions with Other Drugs
The use of senna together with other drugs can cause several drug interaction effects, such as:
- Increased risk of ulceration of the gastrointestinal wall when used with magnesium sulfate, sodium sulfate or potassium sulfate
- Increased risk of side effects of digoxin
- Increased risk of developing hypokalemia when used with diuretic drugs , deflazacort, or dichlorphenamide
- Increased risk of bleeding when used with warfarin
- Decreased effectiveness of birth control pills and hormone medications, such as estrogen
Senna Side Effects and Dangers
There are several side effects that can occur after consuming senna, including:
- stomach cramps
- Bloating
- Fart
- Diarrhea
- Joint pain
- Numbness or tingling
Consult a doctor if these side effects do not improve immediately or get worse. See a doctor immediately if you experience an allergic drug reaction or serious side effects, such as:
- Severe stomach ache
- Severe diarrhea
- Weight loss
- Swelling of the toes or hands
- Constipation got worse after you stopped taking senna
- The skin and whites of the eyes turn yellow ( jaundice )
- Rectal bleeding
- Low levels of potassium in the blood (hypokalemia), which may be characterized by muscle weakness, irregular heartbeat , or feeling very thirsty