Laxin

Indications

Sennosides are stimulant laxatives made from the senna plant. They are used for short-term relief of occasional constipation and, on medical advice, to empty the bowel before some procedures or to prevent constipation caused by medicines such as opioid painkillers.

How It Works

Sennosides pass unchanged to the large bowel, where gut bacteria convert them into active substances. These stimulate the nerves in the bowel wall to increase the wave-like muscle movements that push stool along, and they also draw water and salts into the bowel, making stools softer. A bowel movement usually follows in 6 to 12 hours, so they are often taken at bedtime.

Dosage and Administration

Adults and children over 12 years: usually 7.5 to 15 mg of sennosides at bedtime, as directed on the label; do not exceed the maximum dose stated on the pack. Start with the lowest dose and increase only if needed. Take with a glass of water. Do not use for more than one week without medical advice. Children under 12: only as advised by a doctor.

Interactions

• Long-term use can lower potassium, which increases the risk of side effects from Digoxin and some heart rhythm medicines.
• Diuretics, corticosteroids and licorice root can add to potassium loss.
• It may reduce the absorption of other medicines by speeding gut transit; space other medicines by a few hours.

Contraindications

• Allergy to senna or sennosides.
• Bowel blockage, unexplained stomach pain, nausea or vomiting, appendicitis.
• Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis) or recent bowel surgery.
• Severe dehydration.
• Children under 12 years unless advised by a doctor.

Side Effects

Common: stomach cramps, wind and diarrhoea. The urine may turn yellow-brown or reddish, which is harmless. Long-term overuse can cause low potassium, muscle weakness and a lazy bowel that depends on laxatives.

Get urgent medical help for rectal bleeding, severe or lasting stomach pain, severe diarrhoea with dizziness or weakness, no bowel movement after use, or swelling of the face or difficulty breathing.

Pregnancy and Lactation

Diet changes and bulk-forming laxatives are preferred first in pregnancy. Sennosides may be used for short periods on a doctor's advice, but avoid in early pregnancy unless recommended. Small amounts may pass into breast milk; occasional short-term use is generally considered acceptable while breastfeeding, but ask your doctor.

Precautions and Warnings

• Not for long-term daily use unless supervised by a doctor.
• Drink plenty of fluids and eat fibre-rich food.
• See a doctor if constipation lasts more than 2 weeks or bowel habits change suddenly, especially after age 50.

Overdose

Too much can cause severe diarrhoea, cramps, dehydration and low potassium. Stop the medicine, drink fluids with salts and seek medical advice, especially for children or older people.

Therapeutic Class

Stimulant laxative (anthraquinone glycoside from senna).

Storage

Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children.