Senna Tips from Pharmacists

• Talk to your health care professional before taking senna if you have abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or a sudden change in bowel habits.

• This medication causes you to have a bowel movement in 6-12 hours. It is best to take senna at bedtime for gentle overnight relief of occasional constipation.

• If you are using the liquid form of senna, use a dose-measuring spoon and not a common household spoon to measure the dose accurately.

• Check the package label of OTC constipation relief products. Some of these products contain senna, and taking two or more products together could result in an overdose.

• Lifestyle changes like eating a fiber-rich diet, staying well hydrated, and getting daily exercise can help you stay regular.

• If you do not get relief from constipation after taking senna for one week, call your doctor. It could be a more serious condition.