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Senna
Composition
Each tablet contains 7.5 mg of Sennosides.
Product description
Brown round scored tablets
Pharmaceutical form
Tablets 7.5 mg
Properties
Senna is an anthraquinone stimulant laxative which is used to treat
constipation and for bowel evacuation before investigational procedures or
surgery. The active anthraquinones are liberated into the colon from the
sennoside glycosides by colonic bacteria and an effect usually occurs within
6 to 12 hours of administration.
Anthraquinone derivatives are
relatively mild laxatives. Action was generally considered to result from
direct stimulation of smooth muscle of the colon. More recently, change sin
fluid balance and electrolyte absorption are believed to be contributing
factors. Senna can alter permeability of cell walls in the colon because it
increases cyclic 3',5'-adenosine monophosphate, which also regulates active
ion secretion. The result is increased fluid accumulation in the colon and a
laxative action.
Indications
In the management of
constipation, including: Simple constipation, whether self-induced or
environmental, e.g. neglect of the call to stool or poor sanitary
conditions. Constipation in old age, especially where maintenance treatment
is require. Constipation in pregnancy and the puerperium.
Idiopathic slow-transit
constipation.
Constipation in the irritable
bowel syndrome.
Conservative treatment of
haemorrhoids.
Avoidance of straining after
surgery and in cerebral and cardiovascular disease.
Dosage
The correct dose of Senna Tablets
is the smallest required to produce a comfortable soft-formed motion. It
varies between individuals, but is generally found within the following
ranges :
Adults : 2 tablets ( up to
4 on medical advice ) at bedtime.
Children over 6 years :
Half the adult dosages, taken in the morning.
There is no indication that
dosage need be modified for the elderly.
Senna tablets are best taken as a
single dose, at bedtime by adults and in the morning by children.
The tablets can be taken with a
drink.
Once regularity has been
achieved, dosage should be reduced and can usually be stopped.
Side effects
Senna Tablets are relatively free
from side effects if used occasionally and for short periods of time.
Long-term use or overdosage can cause abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting,
loss of weight, muscle weakness, laxative dependence, hypokalaemia, or
hypocalcaemia. Senna Tablets are habit-forming and can produce laxative
dependence that could lead to loss of normal bowel function and constipation
after therapy is discontinued. Chronic long-term use can produce cathartic
colon, which resembles ulcerative colitis and is characterised by atonic
colon and dilation, especially of the right side.
Urine discoloration can occur
during Senna administration, varying from red-pink in alkaline urine to
yellow-brown in acidic urine.
Precautions
Senna should be given with care
in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Prolonged use should be
avoided.
Breast-feeding :
Although anthraquinone
derivatives may be excreted in the milk of lactating mothers, following
normal dosage the concentration is usually insufficient to affect the
nursing infant.
Drug Interactions :
No drug interactions with Senna
are known.
Drug/Laboratory Test
Interferences :
None reported.
Contra-indications
Senna should not be given to
patients with intestinal obstruction or with undiagnosed abdominal symptoms.
Senna is contraindicated for
long-term use; the drug produces laxative dependency and loss of normal
bowel function after therapy is discontinued. In general, laxatives should
not be administered chronically.
Senna should not be used in
patients with fluid or electrolyte imbalance; acute abdominal pain;
vomiting; or appendicitis. administration can worsen these conditions.
Senna should be used with caution
in children, and should not be sued at all in children under age 6.
Overdosage
In cases of accidental overdosage,
where diarrhoea is severe, conservative measures are usually sufficient:
generous amounts of fluid especially fruit drinks should be given.
Pharmaceutical Precautions
Storage conditions :
Senna Tablets should be stored
below 25°C, protected from light and moisture.
Incompatibilities :
None
Package
Blister packs and PP/PE
containers of 1000 tablets |
