Senna Pharmacology

Senna

About Senna
Anthraquinone derivative, Stimulant Laxative.
Mechanism of Action of Senna
Senna is a stimulant laxative. It mainly contains chemicals anthraquinones glycosides called sennoside A and sennoside B which has purgative property. After oral administration the anthraquinones glycosides are absorbed in intestinal tract after this the aglycone part is separated and excreted in the colon. These excreted anthraquinones irritates and stimulates the colon thereby movements are increased due to local action. The increase in peristalsis also inhibits sodium chloride and water absorption in the colon and produces a softer stool that is usually easier to pass.
Pharmacokinets of Senna
Absorption: It is partly absorbed after oral administration. Metabolism: Anthraquinones undergoes metabolism in the GIT and form glycone and aglycone. Excretion: It is mainly excreted in the faeces. Some amount is excreted through urine and breast milk.
Onset of Action for Senna
6-8hours
Duration of Action for Senna
N/A
Half Life of Senna
N/A
Side Effects of Senna
Taking Senna for longer than a week or two may result in
1.Low potassium levels
2.Laxative dependence
3.Clubbed fingers
4.Joint pain
5.Loss of weight due to decreased appetite
6.Weakened bones or muscles
Occasional use of Senna may result in cramps, diarrhea, or discolored urine.
Contra-indications of Senna
1.Gastrointestinal tract obstruction
2.Hemorrhoids
3.Stomach ulcers
4.Inflammatory bowel disease
Special Precautions while taking Senna
Prolonged use
Pregnancy Related Information
May be used
Old Age Related Information
May be used
Breast Feeding Related Information
May be used
Children Related Information
May be used
CHILDREN< 5: contraindicated
Indications for Senna
Purgative in habitual constipation
Interactions for Senna
N/A
Typical Dosage for Senna
0.6 - 2 g at bed time
Schedule of Senna
N/A
Storage Requirements for Senna
Store in a cool dry place. Protect from heat and light.
Effects of Missed Dosage of Senna
Take the missed dose as soon as noticed and if it is the time for next dose then skip the missed dose. Continue the regular schedule. Do not double the dose.
Effects of Overdose of Senna
Give supportive measures and symptomatic treatment.

Home Delivery for Senna in Your City

Medicine India is just a publishing medium for medicine related information and does not provide services or sales of medicines including senna.

However, we do publish a comprehensive directory of Pharmacies, Chemists and Druggists in cities all over India. You can use this directory to find the medicine stores in your city (or area) that provide home delivery services for senna and other medicines and health products. Home delivery services for senna may be free or they may cost you depending on the pharmacy and the minimum order requirements. It would be best to get this clarified while placing the order.

Please be aware that you should take senna only if a doctor has recommended or prescribed it. Some or all pharmacies who provide a home delivery service for medicines might insist on a prescription for senna before they complete the sale. You can get this information while placing the order for senna with the pharmacy.

Senna is a generic medicine name and there are several brands available for it. Some of the brands for senna might be better known than senna itself. If the pharmacy that's willing to deliver medicines to your home doesn't have senna in stock, you can ask for one of the branded alternatives for senna.