Sometimes, when you go to the toilet, it's very difficult to pass stool, right? We call this constipation. This is a problem that really bothers many people, but they are a little reluctant to talk about it. So, in times like these, some people use 'Senna' pills, which are easily available at pharmacies. But before using this, it is very important to know exactly what it is. Today, let's talk about what these Senna pills are, how they work, and what things to be careful about while using them.
Simply put, what is Senna?
Senna is a laxative made from herbs. Its main function is to relieve occasional constipation . Think of our intestines as a pipe. The muscles in the intestines help push stool out through this pipe. Sometimes, these muscles become less active. That's when constipation occurs.
Senna pills work by giving a slight stimulation to the muscles in your intestines, increasing their activity and helping to move stool out of your body more easily. They come under different brand names, such as Ex-Lax.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Although senna pills are available over the counter, they are not suitable for everyone. Therefore, before you start using this medicine, it is essential to tell your doctor if you have any of the conditions listed below.
| Your situation | Why is it important to inform the doctor ? |
|---|---|
| Bowel Blockage | If there is a blockage somewhere in the intestines, this medicine can make the situation dangerous by increasing intestinal activity. |
| Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) | If you have conditions such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis , this medicine may worsen symptoms. |
| Severe stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting | These symptoms may be a sign of a more serious problem than constipation, so it's not a good idea to use these types of medications until the cause is determined. |
| A sudden change in bowel habits that lasts more than 2 weeks | It is important to get checked by a doctor, as this could be a symptom of another medical condition. |
| Allergies to senna or other medications/foods | If you have had an allergic reaction to something like this before, you should definitely mention it. |
| If you are pregnant or expecting a baby | It is essential to consult a doctor before using any medication during pregnancy. |
| If you are a breastfeeding mother | Since the ingredients in the medicine can pass to the baby through breast milk, do not use it without consulting your doctor. |
How exactly do you use this medicine?
It is very simple to use. It is a chewable tablet. You can chew the tablet well and swallow it, or swallow it whole with water. Always follow the instructions on the medicine packet.
The most important thing: It is usually advised to take this medicine before going to bed. Because it takes about 6-12 hours to work, you can then easily pass stool when you wake up in the morning.
What if you give it to little children?
Sometimes doctors recommend this medicine for children over 2 years of age. But only in special cases. Do not give this medicine to your child without the advice of a doctor for any reason. There can be various reasons why children become constipated. Therefore, it is best to see a doctor first to find out the cause.
What if you take too much medicine (overdose)?
If you accidentally take more pills than you intended, do not take it lightly. If this happens, immediately contact the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Possible side effects when using
As with any medicine, some people may experience side effects when using senna. Some of these are serious, while others are mild.
| Serious side effects that require immediate notification to the doctor | |
|---|---|
Allergic Reactions: These are symptoms to be very careful of.
| |
| Things to tell your doctor if they are usually not serious, but persist | |
| Change in urine color | Urine may be dark yellow, orange, red, or brown. This is usually not dangerous, but it is a good idea to let your doctor know. |
| Diarrhea | The medicine may cause bloating. However, if it continues to be severe, you should tell your doctor as it can lead to dehydration. |
| Stomach ache or pain | It's normal to feel a little pain when your bowels are working. But if the pain is unbearable, stop taking the medicine and see a doctor. |
Things to be careful about when using
- Duration: Unless specifically advised by your doctor, do not use this medicine for more than a week at a time. If you continue to take it, your bowels may become accustomed to it and you may develop a condition called lazy bowel.
- Other laxatives: Do not use this with any other laxative. Doing so may cause severe diarrhea and dehydration.
- Water: Drink plenty of water and fluids while taking this medicine. This will help prevent dehydration and help keep your stool soft and easy to pass.
Take-Home Message
- Senna is a short-term solution for occasional constipation , not a daily, long-term medication.
- If you have other medical conditions (especially intestinal-related), are pregnant, or are breastfeeding, be sure to consult a doctor before taking this medication.
- Never give this medicine to young children without a doctor's advice.
- If you experience severe stomach pain or allergic symptoms (skin rash, swelling) after taking the medicine, stop taking the medicine immediately and see a doctor or go to the ETU.
- Don't forget to drink plenty of water while using this medicine.
- If your constipation lasts for more than a week, it is wise to seek medical advice to find the cause.
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