What are Senna Tablets and what are they used for?

Restore your natural rhythm with Senna tablets which provide relief from constipation. With the active natural ingredient calcium sennosides, which is derived from the Senna Leaf and is known as a stimulant laxative. They work within 8-12 hours to gently relieve short-term or occasional constipation. Available in several strengths, a 15mg oral dose of Senna takes control of your digestive health by increasing gut muscle activity.

Each box of Senna can be purchased in quantities of 100 tablets and can be taken by adults over the age of 18 years for a maximum of 2 weeks. If your constipation is not improved after this time you should speak to a doctor or pharmacist for further advice.

How does Senna work?

Senna contains an active ingredient that works as a stimulant laxative. This means that it works to help relieve constipation by stimulating the nerves in the gut to help speed up sluggish bowels and move hard, large stools through the bowels. It is best to take Senna tablets before you go to bed to allow them to start working overnight.

What is constipation?

Constipation is a common condition and can affect people of all ages, often causing discomfort or even pain. As food moves through the colon, water becomes absorbed, leaving behind the stool. The colon muscles contract in a wave-like motion to move the stool toward the rectum. When the stool reaches the rectum, it is solid because most of the water has been absorbed.

If the large intestine muscles are sluggish, the colon will absorb too much water and the stool will become dry and hard, resulting in difficult, painful bowel movements. If left untreated, constipation may lead to haemorrhoids, anal fissures, rectal prolapse, and faecal impaction.

Everyone has their own normal bowel movement. For some, it’s three times a day; for others, it’s three times a week. Normal is about quality, not quantity. Pushing, straining or discomfort are signs of constipation.

Alternatives to Senna

Drinking plenty of water and eating fibre while taking Senna tablets can help you restore regularity more quickly. Natural ways of avoiding constipation include staying physically active, consuming more dietary fibre(between 26–35 grams/day), and drinking more water (at least 2.2 L).

It is recommended that you should try using either a bulk-forming laxative, an osmotic laxative or a stool softener before using a stimulant laxative such as Senna, as they can be very effective while having fewer side effects associated with them. Examples of other laxatives used to relieve constipation include:

• Bulk-forming laxatives (Fybogel) - These increase the size of the stool which helps stimulate the bowel making the stool easier and quicker to pass. Bulk-forming laxatives take 2 or 3 days to work.
• Osmotic laxatives (Lactulose, Movico) - These laxatives draw water into your bowel and stools making them softer and easier to pass. They take at least 2 days to work.

• Stool Softener (DulcoEase) - These let water into the stool to soften it and make it easier to pass.

Sources

Senna Tablets, Patient Information Leaflet: https://www.medicines.org.uk/e...

https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/s...