What are Senokot laxative tablets?
Senokot laxative tablets are a natural laxative that can ease your short-term constipation. It works overnight, helping you to pass a bowel movement the morning after you’ve taken them. If you’re constipated and looking for a way feel more comfortable, just one or two Senokot tablets can help.
Why am I constipated?
Constipation can happen for lots of different reasons, and most people suffer with constipation at one point of another. If you have constipation, you’ll often find that you haven’t been able to pass a bowel movement at least 3 times a week, or you may find that your poos are larger, harder, or more difficult to pass. Some of the most common causes of constipation include:
- Being dehydrated
- Not eating enough fibre
- Being inactive or not exercising enough
- Pregnancy
- A change in your diet or routine
- Ignoring the urge to go to the toilet
- Side effects of some medication
How will Senokot laxatives help to ease my constipation?
Senokot tablets contain an active ingredient called senna, a natural product made from the leaves and fruit of the senna plant. Senna is a stimulant laxative, which means it works by stimulating the muscles that line your gut, helping to move faeces through your bowel and outwards. This eases constipation, usually letting you pass a bowel movement after around 8 hours.
Can I take these tablets if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?
Senokot tablets are not suitable for those who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Many women suffer with constipation during pregnancy, so if you need a constipation remedy that’s suitable for you at this time, speak to your doctor or Chemist 4 U pharmacist so they can recommend a safe product for you.
Can I take this product if I’m taking any other medication?
If you’re taking any other medication, you should speak to your doctor or Chemist 4 U pharmacist before taking Senokot tablets to make sure the two are safe to take together. This especially applies to those who are taking:
- Medicines for a heart condition, e.g. cardiac glycosides, antiarrhythmic medicines such as quinidine
- Medicines including QT prolongation
- Diuretics
- Adrenocorticosteroids
- Liquorice root preparations
How to take Senokot senna tablets
Swallow 1 – 2 tablets at night. If you’re taking these tablets for the first time, take the smallest possible dose and then raise it to the maximum dose if you need to. You will normally find that you’ll only need to take these tablets two or three times a week. Do not take for more than 1 – 2 weeks at a time unless you have been advised to do so by your doctor.
When should this product not be used?
Senokot tablets are not suitable for use by children under the age of 12. Do not use this product if you are allergic to senna or any of the other listed ingredients. Do not take these tablets if you:
- Have blockage or narrowing of the gastro-intestinal tract or bowel, e.g. ileus, intestinal obstruction, stenosis
- Have atony (paralysis or a lack of muscle tone in the bowel)
- Have appendicitis
- Have inflammatory bowel disease, e.g. Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis
- Have severe dehydration
- Have persistent or undiagnosed abdominal problems, e.g. pain, nausea, vomiting
- Have faecal impaction or rectal bleeding that you do not know the cause of
- Have blood in your stools
- Have already taken a laxative but are still constipated
- Have had a sudden change in bowel habit which has lasted for more than 2 weeks
- Have kidney or heart failure
Speak to your doctor or Chemist 4 U pharmacist before taking this product if you:
- Suffer from kidney disorders
- Have been told that you have an intolerance to some sugars, as this product contains 15.82mg of lactose monohydrate per tablet
Does this product have any side effects?
Like all medications, Senokot tablets can have side effects, although not everyone will experience them. These include:
- Abdominal pain, spasms, and diarrhoea, especially in those with an irritable colon
- Allergic reactions, e.g. hives, itching, local or widespread rash, asthma
- Being more likely to catch infections
- Albumin or red blood cells in the urine
- Yellow or red-brown discolouration of the urine, this is harmless
- Pigmentation of the gastro-intestinal tract, this usually recedes when you stop taking this product
- Low potassium levels in the blood, leading to muscle weakness and/or cramps
- Severe weight loss
- Changes in shape of finger and fingernail, muscle spasms, inflammation of bones and joints
If you experience these or any other side effects while using this product, stop use and seek medical assistance if needed. For more information about reporting the side effects of medication, please see the MHRA’s Yellow Card Scheme.
How to store this product
Store in a cool, dry place that is below 25 degrees C. Do not use this product if the expiry date printed on the original packaging has passed. Keep out of sight and reach of children.
Important Information
This product is a medicine; make sure to speak to your doctor or Chemist 4 U pharmacist before taking this product if you have an underlying medical problem or are taking any other medicine or complementary therapy. If your symptoms get worse or continue after taking this product, contact us or your doctor. For medical services in your area, please refer to https://www.nhs.uk
If you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, speak to your doctor or our pharmacist before taking this product. If you suffer from any allergies, ask your doctor or our pharmacist if this medicine is right for you.
Store all medicines out of sight and reach of children.
Please read the included leaflet carefully before using this product.
Please contact your GP if appropriate regarding this product.
Helpful Advice on Medication Restrictions & Addiction
For further information on our medication restrictions policy, please click here.
If you are concerned about addiction to 'over the counter' medication, we urge you to visit the below links for professional help and advice:
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