Docusate/senna

# Used to treat constipation of many types, including:Mild constipation (short-term relief).

# Constipation of pregnancy

# Severe constipation (to soften the impacted faeces).

# Can be used to prevent constipation or straining in patients with:Haemorrhoids

# Hernias

# Fissures or perianal abscess

# Vaginal wounds from childbirth

# Recent heart attack.

Docusate is a stool softener. It makes bowel movements softer and easier to pass.

Senna is a laxative. It stimulates muscle movement in the intestines.

The combination of Docusate/senna is used to treat occasional constipation.

Docusate/senna may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Usual Adult Dose for Constipation -- Acute:

2 to 4 tablets orally daily in divided doses or as a single daily dose preferably in the evening

Usual Pediatric Dose for Constipation -- Acute:

2 to 6 years: up to 1 tablet daily

6 to 12 years: 1 to 2 tablets daily

See also:
What is the most important information I should know about Docusate/senna?

Hypersensitivity, GI obstruction or perforation, Ulcerative colitis, Symptoms of appendicitis or acute surgical abdomen, Fecal impaction, GI bleeding, Rectal bleeding.

Use this medication exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended.

Take this medication with a full glass of water.

It may be best to take this medication at night or at bedtime. Docusate/senna should cause you to have a bowel movement within 6 to 12 hours.

Do not take this medication for longer than 7 days in a row, unless your doctor tells you to.

Call your doctor if your constipation does not improve or if it gets worse after taking Docusate/senna.

Store Docusate/senna at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

This product is used to treat constipation. It contains 2 medications: sennosides and docusate. Sennosides are known as stimulant laxatives. They work by keeping water in the intestines, which helps to cause movement of the intestines. Docusate is known as a stool softener. It helps increase the amount of water in the stool, making it softer and easier to pass.

How to use Docusate/senna

Take this medication by mouth with a full glass of water (8 ounces/240 milliliters) as directed by your doctor. If you are self-treating, follow all directions on the product package. If you are uncertain about any of the information, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Dosage is based on your age, medical condition, and response to treatment. Do not increase your dose or take this drug more often than directed. Do not take this medication for more than 7 days unless directed by your doctor. Serious side effects may occur with overuse of this medication.

It may take 6 to 12 hours before this medication causes a bowel movement. Tell your doctor if your condition persists or worsens, or if bleeding from the rectum occurs. If you think you may have a serious medical problem, seek immediate medical attention.

See also:
What other drugs will affect Docusate/senna?

The effects of some drugs can change if you take other drugs or herbal products at the same time. This can increase your risk for serious side effects or may cause your medications not to work correctly. These drug interactions are possible, but do not always occur. Your doctor or pharmacist can often prevent or manage interactions by changing how you use your medications or by close monitoring.

To help your doctor and pharmacist give you the best care, be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products) before starting treatment with this product. While using this product, do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any other medicines you are using without your doctor's approval.

A product that may interact with this drug is: mineral oil.

This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use. Share this list with your doctor and pharmacist to lessen your risk for serious medication problems.

See also:
What are the possible side effects of Docusate/senna?

Stomach/abdominal pain or cramping, nausea, diarrhea, or weakness may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

This medication may cause your urine to turn reddish-brown. This effect is harmless and will disappear when the medication is stopped.

If your doctor has directed you to use this medication, remember that he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people who use this medication correctly do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor right away if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: persistent nausea/vomiting/diarrhea, muscle cramps/weakness, irregular heartbeat, dizziness, decreased urination, mental/mood changes (such as confusion).

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.