What is Senokot and when is it used?
Senokot contains the plant-derived ingredient Senna. The treatment is used for the short-term relief of occasional constipation, when other measures have failed.
Who are Senokot Tablets suitable for?
Senokot is suitable for patients who are suffering from constipation and are over the age of 12.
What causes Constipation?
Constipation has a wide range of causes, and sometimes the cause is not immediately obvious.
Common causes include:
- Not eating enough fibre
- Not drinking enough fluids
- Not exercising enough
- A medicinal side effect
- Anxiety, stress or depression
How do I treat constipation?
If experiencing constipation, the first recommendation is to try diet and lifestyle measures, such as increasing fluid and fibre intake and increasing physical activitity such as a daily walk or run. If this fails, a bulk-forming laxative such as Fybogel or an osmotic laxative such as Movicol or Laxido is recommended as first line treatment. Following this, if your bowel motions are soft but still difficult to pass, a stimulant laxative such as Senokot may be used for short- term relief.
What is the recommended dosage of this treatment?
One to two tablets should be taken at night before you go to bed. It’s recommended to only take one tablet if this is your first time taking Senokot, and increase the dosage to two if necessary. If the constipation still persists after 2 weeks, stop taking Senokot and consult your GP.
When should Senokot not not be used?
Senokot is not suitable for patients:
- Under the age of 12 (unless advised by a medical professional)
- With any allergy to senna or any other ingredients in the product
- Who have bowel, stomach, heart or kidney problems
- Who are already taking another laxative
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
Does Senokot help with weight loss?
Stimulant laxatives such as Senokot do not aid weight loss and should not be used for this purpose. For further information about how to manage your weight safely, you should consult your GP.
How should I store Senokot?
Senokot should be stored in a dry, cool environment that does not exceed 25°C.
Information Leaflet
Always read the patient information leaflet before commencing treatment.
Written and reviewed by our qualified team
Authored by:
Carolina Goncalves
Superintendent
Pharmacist
Reviewed by:
Rehma Gill
Pharmacy
Manager
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Content last updated: 20 Apr 2023