senna/docusate (OTC)

Brand and Other Names:PeriColace, Senna Plus, more...Senna-S, Senokot-S

Dosing & Uses

AdultPediatric

Dosage Forms & Strengths

senna/docusate

tablet

  • 8.6mg/50mg

Constipation

2-4 tablets PO qDay; may increase to 4 tab q12hr

Dosage Forms & Strengths

senna/docusate

tablet

  • 8.6mg/50mg

Constipation

<2 years: Safety & efficacy not established

2-6 years: One-half tablet PO qDay; may increase to maximum 1 tab q12hr

6-12 years: One tablet PO qDay may increase as necessary; not to exceed 2 tabs q12hr

>12 years: As adults; 2-4 tablets PO qDay or q12hr

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Interactions

Interaction Checker

and senna/docusate

No Results

     activity indicator 
    No Interactions Found
    Interactions Found

    Contraindicated

      Serious - Use Alternative

        Significant - Monitor Closely

          Minor

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             activity indicator 

            Contraindicated (0)

              Serious - Use Alternative (3)

              • sodium sulfate/?magnesium sulfate/potassium chloride

                sodium sulfate/?magnesium sulfate/potassium chloride increases toxicity of senna by Other (see comment). Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Comment: Coadministration of stimulant laxatives and sodium sulfate/magnesium sulfate/potassium chloride may increase the risk of mucosal ulceration or ischemic colitis.

              • sodium sulfate/potassium chloride/magnesium sulfate/polyethylene glycol

                senna, sodium sulfate/potassium chloride/magnesium sulfate/polyethylene glycol. Either increases toxicity of the other by Other (see comment). Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Comment: Stimulant laxatives may increase the risk of mucosal ulceration or ischemic colitis when coadministered with bowel preps.

              • sodium sulfate/potassium sulfate/magnesium sulfate

                sodium sulfate/potassium sulfate/magnesium sulfate increases toxicity of senna by Other (see comment). Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Comment: Coadministration of stimulant laxatives and sodium sulfate/magnesium sulfate/potassium chloride may increase the risk of mucosal ulceration or ischemic colitis.

              Monitor Closely (4)

              • deflazacort

                senna and deflazacort both decrease serum potassium. Use Caution/Monitor.

              • dichlorphenamide

                dichlorphenamide and senna both decrease serum potassium. Use Caution/Monitor.

              • digoxin

                senna increases toxicity of digoxin by Other (see comment). Use Caution/Monitor. Comment: Increased risk of cardiac toxicity due to K+ depletion.

              • lily of the valley

                senna increases toxicity of lily of the valley by Other (see comment). Use Caution/Monitor. Comment: Increased risk of cardiac toxicity due to K+ depletion.

              Minor (1)

              • mineral oil

                docusate increases levels of mineral oil by enhancing GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown.

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              Adverse Effects

              Frequency Not Defined

              Abdominal cramping

              Diarrhea

              Nausea/vomiting

              Yellow-brown urine discoloration

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              Warnings

              Contraindications

              Hypersensitivity

              GI obstruction or perforation

              Ulcerative colitis

              Symptoms of appendicitis or acute surgical abdomen

              Fecal impaction

              Concurrent use of mineral oil

              GI bleeding

              Rectal bleeding

              Cautions

              Finger clubbing (long-term use)

              Not for use as over the counter in patients experiencing abdominal pain, vomiting, nausea, sudden change in bowel movement that last > 2 weeks

              Not recommended for use >1 week or children < 2 years

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              Pregnancy & Lactation

              Pregnancy category: N/A

              Lactation: unknown if excreted in breast milk; not recommended

              Pregnant or breastfeeding patients should seek advice of health professional before using OTC drugs

              Pregnancy Categories

              A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.

              B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk.

              C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done.

              D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk.

              X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist.

              NA: Information not available.

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              Pharmacology

              Mechanism of Action

              Senna: intestinal irritant/stimulant

              Docusate: surfactant laxative/stool softener

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              Images

              No images available for this drug.
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              Patient Handout

              A Patient Handout is not currently available for this monograph.
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              Medscape prescription drug monographs are based on FDA-approved labeling information, unless otherwise noted, combined with additional data derived from primary medical literature.