Senna Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Oct 2, 2024.

Applies to senna: oral capsule liquid filled, oral liquid, oral syrup, oral tablet, oral tablet chewable.

Precautions

It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits. This will allow your doctor to see if the medicine is working properly and to decide if you or your child should continue to use it.

Tell your doctor if you or your child had already used a laxative for more than 1 week.

Call your doctor right away if you or your child has rectal bleeding, no bowel movement within 30 minutes of enema use, or has symptoms of dehydration (eg, confusion, decreased urination, feeling thirsty, vomiting). These maybe symptoms of a serious condition.

Serious side effects of senna

Along with its needed effects, senna may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking senna:

For healthcare professionals

Applies to senna: compounding powder, oral disintegrating strip, oral granule, oral liquid, oral syrup, oral tablet, oral tablet chewable, rectal suppository.

Gastrointestinal adverse events

• Frequency not reported: Abdominal pain, abdominal spasm, diarrhea, gastrointestinal tract mucosal pigmentation, intestinal mucosa pigmentation, liquid stool passage, pseudomelanosis coli^[Ref]

Abdominal pain, abdominal spasm, and liquid stool passage usually occurred in patients with irritable colon and may occur in individual overdose events; dose reductions should be performed if the side effects occur.

Chronic use may result in intestinal mucosa pigmentation/pseudomelanosis coli, which usually recedes with treatment discontinuation.^[Ref]

Genitourinary

• Frequency not reported: Albuminuria, chromaturia, hematuria, pH-dependent urine metabolite discoloration, red-brown urine metabolite discoloration, yellow urine metabolite discoloration^[Ref]

Albuminuria and hematuria may occur as a result of electrolyte and water equilibrium disorders.

Urine discoloration by metabolites was not clinically significant.^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Frequency not reported: Generalized exanthema, localized exanthema, pruritus, urticaria^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Frequency not reported: Cachexia, electrolyte metabolism disorder, hypokalemia, tetany, water equilibrium disorder^[Ref]

Chronic use may result in electrolyte metabolism and water equilibrium disorders.^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

• Frequency not reported: Hypersensitivity/hypersensitivity reactions^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity reactions included generalized/local exanthema, pruritus, and/or urticaria.^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Frequency not reported: Finger clubbing, hypertrophic osteoarthropathy^[Ref]

Immunologic

• Frequency not reported: Hypogammaglobulinemia^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Frequency not reported: Asthma^[Ref]

See also:

Frequently asked questions

• Which drugs cause opioid-induced constipation?

Further information

Senna side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer