Senna plus is used for constipation. There are different ways one can have constipation, so understanding the disease is important before discussing the treatment.
Constipation
It is a condition during which bowel movements stop or become less. The patient feels difficulty in passing the stool.
Every person has a pattern when it comes to bowel movements. Most people have 2-3 bowel movements, while others have them once or twice a week. A person is considered constipated if he strays from the pattern. The stool becomes dry and solid. You also feel pain and irritation while passing the stool.
How Does Constipation Happen?
Constipation develops when the digestive tract absorbs more water than usual from the food. It happens when the bowel movements slow down. These slowed-down movements force the food to remain in the colon for a long time. During that time, the colon absorbs all the water and makes hard and dry stools painful to pass.
Constipation leads to internal bleeding and other diseases if not treated on time.
Causes of Constipation
Constipation has many causes. Following are some of the causes of this disease:
- Dehydration
- Resisting the urge to pass stools
- Not eating food rich in fiber
- Not getting needed exercise
- Stress
- Consuming a large amount of milk or cheese
Many medications can also cause constipation; if a medication is responsible for constipation, you should consult a physician and get that medicine changed. Following are the medication that can cause constipation.
- Narcotics
- NSAIDS
- Antacids
- Antidepressants
- Anti-emetics
- Iron Pills
Many medical conditions are also responsible for constipation:
- Colorectal Cancer
- Diabetes
- Lazy Bowel Syndrome
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- Pregnancy
Treatment
The disease can be treated, unlike many other diseases. There are medications available, but self-care is equally as important. What are the possible self-care instructions that you can follow?
- Drink more water as one of the symptoms of constipation is dehydration.
- Eat food and drinks that are high in fiber.
- Exercise every day or at least once a week.
The difference between senna and senna plus is that the latter has docusate as well as sennosides.
Medications
Many over-the-counter medicines are available for the treatment of constipation. You can take those medicines and care for yourself. Mineral oil enemas and laxatives such as bisacodyl and senna are available OTC. These laxatives should be used within limits, or you might face side effects that are worse than the disease itself.
Senna Plus
Two products make senna plus; sennoside & docusate.
Sennosides
Sennosides are very effective for constipation. They are better than bisacodyl for the treatment of opioid-induced constipation. This medication can be taken either by mouth or via the rectum. Sennosides work by turning into active metabolites and affecting the aquaporin three expression indirectly through increasing the cyclooxygenase two expressions. Aquaporin 3 expression produces a laxative effect. It reduces the water reabsorption from the food.
Docusate
Docusate is a stool softener. When combined with sennosides, it works great and improves the problem marginally. During constipation, the stool turns hard and dry. Therefore, it gets difficult to pass the stool. Docusate makes the stool soft and easy to pass. Docusate increases the amount of water in the stool.
Both of these drugs work well in combination.
How to Take Senna Plus?
Senna plus is taken by water via the mouth. Follow the instructions given on the label or consult your pharmacist or physician for further information.
Dosage for Adults
It is available in tablet form for adults. The dosage is 8.6mg/50mg.
For the treatment of constipation, take 2-4 tablets PO per day. You can increase the dosage to 4 tablets per 12 hours.
Dosage for Pediatrics
For children aged less than two years, the efficacy is not established yet.
The children aged between 2-6 years can take half a tablet once a day or increase the dose to 1 tab per 12r according to the condition.
For children 6-12 years, the dose can be one tablet per day, but it should not exceed two tablets.
Children aged more than 12 years can refer to adult dosage.
Do not take the medication for more than seven days or till your doctor recommends otherwise.
Warnings
You should not take this medication if you are already taking a mineral oil before. Pregnant and lactating women should consult their physicians before taking this medication. Also, people with the following conditions should consult the pharmacist or doctor before using this medicine:
- People who had nausea and vomiting.
- Stomach pain
- Ulcerative colitis
- Crohn’s disease
Overdose
In case of overdose, contact your doctor immediately. The signs of overdose are:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Stomach Pain
- Diarrhea
Side Effects
The side effects of senna plus include allergies. The symptoms of an allergic reaction are hives, swelling of the face, lips, or throat.
Some of the side effects include:
- Rectal Bleeding
- Cessation of Bowel Movement
- Severe Pain in Stomach
- Gas
- Bloating
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Vomiting
Other side effects might occur, so call your physician immediately if something happens.
There are other ways to treat constipation, but they are rarely used.
Surgery
You can opt for surgery for the treatment of constipation. The doctor recommends surgery if the reason behind constipation is an anatomical tissue of the colon. Following are some of the reasons for surgery:
- Intestinal Obstruction
- Intestinal Stricture
- Anal Fissure
- Rectal Prolapse
Surgery is rarely done in the case of constipation.
Takeaway
Constipation can become severe if not treated properly. Medication is important as well as proper diet and exercise. You should eat at least 18-30g of fiber for the treatment of constipation. Drinking 8 ounces of water per day is also important to avoid constipation. Try to avoid caffeine as much as possible in the constipated state. You can also take OTC drugs such as magnesium, bisacodyl, and senna plus as laxatives.
