Senokot

Senokot - What is it

Senokot is a drug that is prescribed for the treatment of constipation.

How Senokot Works

Senokot is a stimulant laxative that works by irritating the bowels and thus causing a bowel movement to occur. Constipation can occur as a side effect from several medications or because of certain foods that you eat. A doctor will prescribe Senokot if you experience constipation as a side effect of taking certain medications. Some physicians will prescribe Senokot before you experience these side effects. Senokot should cause a bowel movement within 6 to 12 hours of the first dose.

Taking Senokot

Senokot should be used as it is prescribed by your physician. Do not take any more or less than is prescribed. Senokot should be taken at bedtime. Senokot should be taking orally. It can be taken with or without food, however plenty of water should be taken with this prescription unless otherwise told by your physician. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If you remember at the time of your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue on your regular schedule. Do not take two doses of Senokot at a time. Senokot should not be used for more than a week unless prescribed by your physician.

Side Effects of Senokot

Senokot can produce side effects such as urine discoloration. Urine can change to colors such as pink, red, orange, and brown. Using Senokot for a long period of time can cause a loss of normal bowel functioning and can cause pigmentation of the colon. Senokot can also cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, and nausea. Enlargement of the fingers and toes can occur as well. Severe side effects include: allergic reactions such as rash, hives, itching, difficulty breathing, and swelling of the face, lips, and mouth. Senokot can cause kidney inflammation, rectal bleeding, and poor bowel functioning. A physician should be contacted if you experience any of these side effects. If you are pregnant or breast feeding, please let your doctor know. It is not yet known if Senokot can harm a fetus or if it is passed through breast milk to the infant.

Other Brand Names

Senokot is known under the generic name of Sennosides and Senna. Other names for Senokot are Senna-Lax, Senokot Extra, Black Draught, Dosaflex, Ex-Lax, Ex-Lax Chocolate, Fletcher's Castoria, Gentlax, Innerclean, and X Prep.

Safety Information:

Before taking Senokot tell your doctor if you are taking any nonprescription medicine, herbal supplements, or dietary supplements. Tell your doctor if you have congestive heart failure, inflammatory bowel disease, undiagnosed stomach pain, or if you are experiencing nausea and vomiting. Tell your doctor of any allergies you have before taking Senokot as well.

Dosage:

Senokot comes in various tablet dosages: Senokot tablets with 8.6 milligrams of sennosides, available in packages of 20, 50, and 100 tablets.

Visual Description:

Senokot can be found in white boxes with "Senokot" written in bold, black in the middle of the box. The boxes have a large, yellow bar on the bottom area. The top of the box should say how many tablets are included in the package.