How fast does senna work

Long-term use of senna can stop your bowel working properly on its own. Pee may turn a red-brown colour while you take senna. This is harmless and returns to normal after treatment has finished. Senna is safe to take for most adults aged 18 years and over. Important Only give senna to children if a doctor or pharmacist recommends it. To make sure senna is safe for you, tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting senna if you: have ever had an allergic reaction to senna or any other medicine in the past have a bowel obstruction have Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis have appendicitis are trying to get pregnant, already pregnant or breastfeeding.

Dosage The normal dose of senna tablets for constipation in: adults and children aged 12 years and over is 1 or 2 tablets at bedtime or 1 tablet of Senokot Max Strength children aged between 6 and 11 years is 1 single tablet at bedtime The normal dose of senna syrup for constipation in: adults and children aged 6 years and over is one or two 5ml spoonfuls at bedtime children aged 2 to 5 years only under medical supervision is half to one 5ml spoonful at bedtime Liquid senna comes with a plastic cup or spoon to measure the dose.

What if I forget to take it? What if I take too much? Taking an extra dose of senna is unlikely to harm you. If you're worried, talk to your doctor or a pharmacist. Common side effects Common side effects, which happen in more than 1 in people, are stomach cramps and diarrhoea. Serious side effects A very rare but serious side effect of senna is a severe raised, red, itchy skin rash on any part or all of your body. Serious allergic reaction In rare cases, it's possible to have a serious allergic reaction anaphylaxis to senna.

Information: You can report any suspected side effect using the Yellow Card safety scheme. Visit Yellow Card for further information. What to do about: diarrhoea — you may need to stop taking senna or reduce your dose. Until the diarrhoea stops, drink lots of fluids, such as water or squash, to avoid dehydration. Signs of dehydration include peeing less than usual or having dark strong-smelling pee.

Reducing your dose of senna may also help diarrhoea. Do not take any other medicines to treat diarrhoea without speaking to a pharmacist or doctor. It can help to eat and drink slowly and have smaller and more frequent meals.

Putting a heat pad or covered hot water bottle on your stomach may also help. If the cramps do not get better, try reducing your dose of senna. Senna may not be suitable if you're pregnant or breastfeeding. Non-urgent advice: Tell your doctor if you're:. Tell your doctor if you are taking these medicines before starting senna: a heart medicine such as digoxin or quinidine a diuretic tablets which make you pee more steroid tablets liquorice root preparations Mixing senna with herbal remedies and supplements Apart from liquorice root preparations, there are no known problems with taking other herbal remedies and supplements with senna.

Important: Medicine safety Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you're taking any other medicines, including herbal medicines, vitamins or supplements. How does senna work? When will I feel better? Talk to your doctor if you are still constipated after 3 days.

How long will I take senna for? Is it safe to take senna for a long time? Can I take different laxatives together? For most people, 1 laxative will be enough to relieve constipation. Are other laxatives any better? Bulk-forming laxatives, for example Fybogel and methylcellulose. These increase the "bulk" or weight of poo which in turn stimulates your bowel. These laxatives take 2 or 3 days to work. Osmotic laxatives, for example lactulose.

These draw water from the rest of the body into your bowel to soften poo and make it easier to pass. They take at least 2 days to work. Surface-wetting laxatives, for example arachis oil and docusate sodium.

These let water into poo to soften it and make it easier to pass. Will it affect my fertility? Will it affect my contraception? Protect from light. Do not use if cap seal is broken. The sennosides in Coloxyl with Senna are derived from natural senna. Where to Buy.

How do I take Coloxyl with senna? Coloxyl with Senna comes in tablet form, and the normal dose is 1—2 tablets taken with a glass of water just before bed. This can be increased to 4 tablets if needed. More Questions? While laxatives and stool softeners can help you overcome a bout of constipation, these medications come with side effects.

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Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Mental Health. Medically reviewed by Alan Carter, Pharm. What are laxatives? Time table. Type of laxative How long does it take to work?

Emollient 12 to 72 hours Bulk-forming 12 to 24 hours some effect 48 to 72 hours full effect Lubricant 6 to 8 hours Hyperosmotic 48 to 72 hours lactulose 30 minutes to 3 hours saline 6 hours or longer polymer Stimulant 6 to 12 hours Suppositories 15 to 30 minutes. Emollient laxatives. Bulk-forming laxatives. Lubricant laxatives. Hyperosmotic laxatives. Stimulant laxatives.

A word of caution. The bottom line. Read this next. Laxatives Side Effects: Understanding the Risks. Stool Softeners vs. What Are Bulk-Forming Laxatives? Medically reviewed by Nancy Choi, MD.