Dosing & Uses
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
Interactions
Interaction Checker
No Results
Contraindicated
Serious - Use Alternative
Significant - Monitor Closely
Minor
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 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.
- sodium sulfate/potassium sulfate/magnesium sulfate/polyethylene glycol
senna, sodium sulfate/potassium sulfate/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.
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.
Adverse Effects
Frequency Not Defined
Abdominal cramping
Diarrhea
Nausea/vomiting
Yellow-brown urine discoloration
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
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.Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action
Senna: intestinal irritant/stimulant
Docusate: surfactant laxative/stool softener
