Active Ingredients in Senokot-S
Senokot-S contains sennosides (8.6 mg) and docusate sodium (50 mg) as its active ingredients. 1
Composition Details
Senokot-S combines two different types of laxative ingredients:
Sennosides (8.6 mg):
- Natural stimulant laxative derived from the senna plant
- Contains primarily sennosides A and B
- Mechanism of action: Sennosides are metabolized by gut microbiota to active metabolites (rheinanthrone and rhein)
- These metabolites stimulate prostaglandin E2 production and chloride ion secretion, leading to:
- Increased colonic peristalsis
- Changes in luminal water content
- Stimulation of bowel movements 2
Docusate Sodium (50 mg):
- Stool softener component
- Works by allowing water and fats to penetrate the stool, making it softer and easier to pass
Clinical Relevance
The combination of these two ingredients provides a dual-action approach to constipation:
- Sennosides provide stimulant laxative effects to promote bowel movements
- Docusate sodium softens the stool to ease passage
Important Considerations
- Sennosides are extensively metabolized by gut bacteria, with over 90% of sennosides and metabolites excreted in feces 2
- Antibiotics may potentially decrease the efficacy of senna-based products by affecting the colonic bacteria that produce the active metabolites 2
- Common side effects include abdominal pain, cramping, or diarrhea, particularly at higher doses 2
- Sennosides are not generally recommended during pregnancy due to potential concerns about weak genotoxic effects observed in animal studies, though evidence is controversial 2
Dosing Considerations
- Most commercially available senna products contain 8-9 mg of sennosides per tablet, consistent with the 8.6 mg in Senokot-S 2, 1
- Clinical trials have used higher doses (up to 1g daily), but these doses frequently required reduction due to side effects 2
- Starting with lower doses and titrating up as needed is generally recommended to minimize adverse effects 2