Brand name: Senokot. Find out how senna treats difficulty pooing (constipation) and how to take it.

This product is used to treat constipation. It contains 2 medications: sennosides and docusate. Sennosides are known as stimulant laxatives. They work by keeping water in the intestines, which helps to cause movement of the intestines.

Senna takes about 8 hours to work. It's usual to take it at bedtime so it works overnight. Drink plenty of fluids (6 to 8 glasses a day) while you're taking senna or your constipation may get worse.

DIRECTIONS

Do not take this medication for more than 7 days unless directed by your doctor. Serious side effects may occur with overuse of this medication (see also Side Effects section). It may take 6 to 12 hours before this medication causes a bowel movement.

Docusate/senna has an average rating of 8.3 out of 10 from a total of 18 ratings on Drugs.com. 81% of reviewers reported a positive effect, while 13% reported a negative effect. Senokot S has an average rating of 9.8 out of 10 from a total of 6 ratings on Drugs.com.

Do not take this medication for more than 7 days unless directed by your doctor. Serious side effects may occur with overuse of this medication (see also Side Effects section). It may take 6 to 12 hours before this medication causes a bowel movement.

Senna may be unsafe when taken long-term or in high doses. Using senna for longer than 2 weeks may cause your bowels to stop functioning normally. Long-term use may also cause a serious electrolyte imbalance.

Long-term side effects Ideally you'll only take senna for a few days. Taking it for a long time can cause an electrolyte imbalance, where levels of substances like sodium, potassium and magnesium in your body get too high or too low.

Senna may be unsafe when taken long-term or in high doses. Using senna for longer than 2 weeks may cause your bowels to stop functioning normally. Long-term use may also cause a serious electrolyte imbalance.

Do not take this medication for more than 7 days unless directed by your doctor. Serious side effects may occur with overuse of this medication (see also Side Effects section). It may take 6 to 12 hours before this medication causes a bowel movement.

Adults and children 12 years of age and older - At first, 2 tablets once a day. Your doctor may increase your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 4 tablets two times a day.