Sennosides are natural stimulant laxatives from the senna plant. They stimulate the bowel muscles to push stools along, usually producing a bowel movement within 8 to 12 hours.

What Sennosides Is Used For

  • Occasional constipation
  • Bowel preparation before procedures, as directed
  • Constipation caused by pain medicines

Common Side Effects

  • Stomach cramps
  • Diarrhoea
  • Discoloured urine (harmless)

Precautions

Use stimulant laxatives only for short periods unless a doctor advises otherwise. Do not use them if you have severe abdominal pain, bowel blockage or inflammatory bowel disease. Drink enough fluids and eat fibre to help prevent constipation.

This page is general information only. It is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or pharmacist, and it does not include dosage. Always follow the directions given to you and read the leaflet inside the pack.

Medicines Containing Sennosides