From the Guidelines
Senna (Senokot) is not recommended for regular, long-term use to treat constipation due to its potential for dependency, abdominal cramping, diarrhea, and electrolyte imbalances. The benefits of senna include its effectiveness, wide availability as an over-the-counter medication, relatively low cost, and plant-based origin 1. However, the cons outweigh these benefits for regular use. Long-term use can lead to dependency where your bowels stop functioning normally without the medication. It may cause abdominal cramping, diarrhea, and electrolyte imbalances (particularly potassium loss) that can affect heart function. The body can develop tolerance, requiring increasing doses for the same effect. Some key points to consider when using senna for constipation include:
- Starting at a lower dose and increasing if there is no response, as higher doses may cause abdominal pain and cramping 1
- Limiting use to short-term (less than 1-2 weeks) or occasional use only to avoid potential adverse events such as abdominal pain, cramping, or diarrhea 1
- Considering alternative treatments, such as increasing dietary fiber (25-30g daily), staying well-hydrated, regular physical activity, and establishing consistent bathroom habits 1
- Using osmotic laxatives like polyethylene glycol (Miralax) for longer-term use, as they are safer and more effective for chronic constipation 1
From the FDA Drug Label
Uses relieves occasional constipation (irregularity) generally produces bowel movement in 6-12 hours The FDA drug label does not answer the question.
From the Research
Pros of Using Sennakot Regularly for Constipation
- Sennakot, a stimulant laxative, can be effective in treating constipation in children and adults, as shown in studies 2, 3, 4.
- It can increase the frequency of bowel movements and improve symptoms of constipation, such as abdominal pain and bloating 2, 3.
- Sennakot may be a good option for patients who have not responded to other laxatives, such as polyethylene glycol (PEG) or lactulose 3, 5.
- It can be used as part of a bowel management program in children with repaired anorectal malformations and constipation 3.
Cons of Using Sennakot Regularly for Constipation
- Long-term use of Sennakot can lead to side effects such as abdominal cramping, vomiting, and diarrhea 2, 4.
- High doses of Sennakot can cause perineal blistering, especially in children who are not toilet-trained 2.
- Sennakot may not be as effective as PEG in treating opioid-induced constipation in cancer patients, as shown in one study 6.
- The long-term safety and efficacy of Sennakot in adults with constipation have not been extensively studied, and more research is needed to fully understand its effects 4, 5.
- Sennakot can interact with other medications, such as antacids and certain antibiotics, and may not be suitable for patients with certain medical conditions, such as gastrointestinal obstruction or inflammatory bowel disease 4, 5.