Senna_glycoside
Senna glycoside
Constipation and surgery medication
Senna glycoside, also known as sennoside or senna, is a medication used to treat constipation and empty the large intestine before surgery.[1][5] The medication is taken by mouth or via the rectum.[1][6] It typically begins working in around 30 minutes when given by rectum and within twelve hours when given by mouth.[3] It is a weaker laxative than bisacodyl and castor oil.[1]
Common side effects of senna glycoside include abdominal cramps.[3] It is not recommended for long-term use, as it may result in poor bowel function or electrolyte problems.[1] While no harm has been found to result from use while breastfeeding, such use is not typically recommended.[1] It is not typically recommended in children.[1] Senna may change urine to a somewhat reddish color.[1] Senna derivatives are a type of stimulant laxative and are of the anthraquinone type.[1] While its mechanism of action is not entirely clear, senna is thought to act by increasing fluid secretion within and contraction of the large intestine.[1]
Sennosides come from the group of plants Senna.[3] In plant form, it has been used at least since the 700s AD.[7] It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines.[8] It is available as a generic medication.[1][6] In 2021, it was the 270th most commonly prescribed medication in the United States, with more than 1 million prescriptions.[9][10] In 2021, the combination with docusate was the 275th most commonly prescribed medication in the United States, with more than 800,000 prescriptions.[9][11] It is sold under a number of brand names including Ex-Lax and Senokot.[1]
