Causing disturbances of electrolyte and mineral balances. Sodium, potassium, magnesium, and phosphorus are electrolytes and minerals that are present in very specific amounts necessary for proper functioning of the nerves and muscles, including those of the colon and heart. Upsetting this delicate balance can cause incorrect functioning of these vital organs. If the symptoms worsen during the use of the medicinal product, or there is no bowel movement after three days, a doctor or pharmacist should be consulted. Symptoms and treatment of overdosage: The major symptoms of overdose or abuse of any stimulant laxative, including those containing senna, are griping pain and severe diarrhea, leading to excessive water loss (dehydration) and possible electrolyte imbalance (hypokalemia). Treatment should be supported with generous amounts of fluid. Electrolytes, especially potassium, should be monitored. This is especially important in the elderly. In case of overdose: Call a Regional Poison Control Centre and/or your physician and/or your local emergency number immediately, or go to your local hospital emergency, even if you do not notice any signs or symptoms. Keep all medicines out of the reach of children. Stomach/ abdominal pain or cramping, nausea, diarrhea, or weakness may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Small amounts of active metabolites (rhein) are excreted in breast milk. A laxative effect in breast fed babies has not been reported. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). If you are still constipated after taking senna for 3 days, talk to your doctor. If you forget to take it ACTIVE INGREDIENTS: Each SENOKOT ® Extra Strength tablet contains 17.2 mg sennosides from natural senna. When considering the use of senna, seek the advice of your doctor. You may also consider consulting a practitioner who is trained in the use of herbal/health supplements.

More about Senokot (senna)

If you are using the chewable tablets, chew each tablet well and swallow. If you are using the dissolving strips, allow each strip to dissolve on the tongue and then swallow, with or without water. If you are using the liquid form of this medication, measure the dose carefully using a special measuring device/cup. Do not use a household spoon because you may not get the correct dose. Other uses not proven with research have included weight loss, irritable bowel syndrome, hemorrhoids, and other conditions. Long-term use of stimulant laxatives should be avoided, as use for more than a brief period of treatment may lead to impaired function of the intestine and dependence on laxatives. If laxatives are needed every day the cause of the constipation should be investigated. This product should only be used if a therapeutic effect cannot be achieved by a change of diet or the administration of bulk forming agents.

Intestinal loss of fluids may promote dehydration. Symptoms may include thirst and oliguria. In patients suffering from fluid loss where dehydration may be harmful (e.g. renal insufficiency, elderly patients) Senokot should be discontinued and only be restarted under medical supervision. in particular in patients with irritable colon. Symptoms may also occur generally as a consequence of individual overdosage. In such cases dose reduction is necessary. Hypokalaemia (resulting from long-term laxative abuse) potentiates the action of cardiac glycosides and interacts with antiarrhythmic medicinal products, with medicinal products which induce reversion to sinus rhythm (e.g. quinidine) and with medicinal products inducing QT-prolongation. Concomitant use with other medicinal products inducing hypokalaemia (e.g. diuretics, adrenocorticosteroids and liquorice root) may enhance electrolyte imbalanceACTIVE INGREDIENTS: Each SENOKOT ® for Women tablet contains 8.6 mg standardized sennosides from natural senna. SENOKOT ® Tablets can be found at your local pharmacy and in many popular and convenient stores across Canada. Samples may be available through your family physician. Senna syrup comes with a plastic cup or spoon to measure the dose. Do not use a kitchen spoon as it will not measure the right amount. How to take it Take senna for a few days only and no longer than a week. If you take it for longer, your body can start to rely on it, rather than your bowels doing the work on their own.