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Senokot S Side Effects

Generic name: docusate/senna

Note: This document contains side effect information about docusate/senna. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name Senokot S.

Applies to docusate/senna: oral capsule, oral tablet.

Warning

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using docusate and senna and call your doctor at once if you have:

  • rectal bleeding;

  • severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting; or

  • no bowel movement.

Common side effects may include:

  • gas, bloating;

  • diarrhea; or

  • mild nausea.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to docusate/senna: oral capsule, oral tablet.

Gastrointestinal

Gastrointestinal side effects of docusate have included gastrointestinal cramping.

Gastrointestinal side effects of senna have included esophageal impaction and duodenal bezoars. These effects have been reported in patients receiving a bulk laxative product containing 82% psyllium and 18% senna (commercially available as Perdiem Overnight Relief).[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

One case has been reported involving a factory worker who developed IgE-mediated asthma and rhinoconjunctivitis five months after exposure to senna.[Ref]

Hypersensitivity side effects of senna have rarely included occupational sensitization to senna.[Ref]

Metabolic

Metabolic side effects of docusate have included at least one case report of hypomagnesemia.[Ref]

Metabolic abnormalities reported include hypomagnesemia in one woman who took docusate chronically throughout her pregnancy. Magnesium levels returned to normal following discontinuation of docusate.[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

Musculoskeletal side effects of senna have rarely included finger clubbing.[Ref]

Dermatologic

Dermatologic side effects of docusate have included rash.[Ref]

Frequently asked questions

References

1. Product Information. Colace (docusate). Roberts Pharmaceutical Corporation. 2001.

2. Dorr MB, Johnson RD, Jensen B, Magner D, Marbury T, Talbo GH. Pharmacokinetics of sparfloxacin in patients with renal impairment. Clin Ther. 1999;21:1202-15.

3. Helin T, Makinen-Kiljunen S. Occupational asthma and rhinoconjunctivitis caused by senna. Allergy. 1996;51:181-4.

4. Malmquist J, Ericsson B, Hulten-Nosslin MB, Jeppsson JO, Ljungberg O. Finger clubbing and aspartylglucosamine excretion in a laxative- abusing patient. Postgrad Med J. 1980;56:862-4.

5. Schindler AM. Isolated neonatal hypomagnesaemia associated with maternal overuse of stool softener Lancet. 1984;2:822.

6. Prior J, White I. Tetany and clubbing in patient who ingested large quantities of senna [letter. Lancet. 1978;2:947.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.

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