Senna Tablets – 60 Tablets

Description

Senna Tablets – 60 Tablets

Senna Tablets are a herbal laxative used for the short-term relief of occasional constipation in adults and children aged 12 and over. They help to restore normal bowel movements when diet and lifestyle measures alone have not been sufficient.

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How It Works

Senna contains naturally occurring compounds called sennosides (hydroxyanthracene glycosides). Once swallowed, these compounds are broken down by bacteria in the large intestine, stimulating the bowel muscles to contract and move stools along more easily. The effect usually occurs within 8 to 12 hours of taking a dose.

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Directions for Use

Adults and children aged 12 and over: take 2 tablets at bedtime. The dose may be increased to a maximum of 4 tablets if needed, but should not exceed this. Senna should only be used for short periods — if constipation persists for more than a few days, seek medical advice. Always read the patient information leaflet before use. If you are unsure about the correct dose, speak to your PillSorted pharmacist.

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Active Ingredients

• Senna Fruit Dry Extract (Alexandrian Senna, Cassia acutifolia) providing 7.5 mg Hydroxyanthracene Glycosides (calculated as Sennoside B) per tablet

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Possible Side Effects

• Abdominal cramps or discomfort
• Diarrhoea or loose stools
• Nausea
• Discolouration of the urine (harmless yellowish-brown or reddish tint)
• Skin reactions such as rash or itching (rare)
• With prolonged use: low potassium levels (electrolyte imbalance)

If you experience any serious side effects, stop taking this medicine and seek medical advice immediately.

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Who Should Not Take This Medicine

• Children under 12 years of age
• People with intestinal obstruction or ileus (blockage of the bowel)
• People with inflammatory bowel conditions such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis
• People with appendicitis or undiagnosed abdominal pain
• People with severe dehydration
• Those with known hypersensitivity to senna or any of the excipients

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Interactions

Senna may increase the risk of low potassium levels when taken alongside diuretics (water tablets), corticosteroids, or liquorice root, which can affect how heart medicines such as digoxin work. Prolonged or excessive use alongside other laxatives may worsen electrolyte imbalances. Tell your PillSorted pharmacist or doctor about all medicines you are currently taking, including herbal remedies and supplements.

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Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Senna is not recommended during pregnancy, particularly in the first trimester, as there is limited safety data and it may stimulate uterine contractions. Small amounts of sennosides may pass into breast milk, so caution is advised during breastfeeding. Speak to your doctor or PillSorted pharmacist before use if you are pregnant, trying to conceive, or breastfeeding.

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Alcohol

There is no known direct interaction between senna and alcohol. However, alcohol can contribute to dehydration, which may worsen constipation or increase the likelihood of electrolyte imbalance when taking a laxative. It is advisable to keep alcohol intake to a minimum while treating constipation.

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Driving and Operating Machinery

Senna is not known to cause drowsiness or affect your ability to drive or use machinery. However, if you experience abdominal cramping or discomfort, use your judgement before driving or performing tasks that require concentration.

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Storage

Store below 25°C in a dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep out of sight and reach of children. Do not use after the expiry date shown on the packaging.

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Important Information

• This product is a medicine. Speak to your doctor or PillSorted pharmacist before taking this product if you have an underlying medical condition or are taking any other medication or complementary therapy.
• If symptoms worsen or persist, contact your doctor.
• If pregnant, trying to conceive or breastfeeding, seek medical advice before use.
• If you suffer from allergies, confirm suitability with your PillSorted pharmacist before use.
• Store out of sight and reach of children.
• Read the enclosed patient information leaflet carefully before use.
• Contact your GP where appropriate.

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Patient Information Leaflet

For the full Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) for this medicine, visit the electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC). For further information about this medicine, visit NHS.uk.

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This content has been medically reviewed and approved by Zeinab Ardeshir (GPhC 2075730), Superintendent Pharmacist at PillSorted (GPhC-registered online pharmacy 9011258). Last reviewed: February 2026.

Weight	0.03 kg
Brand	Generic