Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which of the following are brand names for Senna? (Select all that apply)
Which of the following are brand names for Senna? (Select all that apply)
What is the generic name for Senna?
What is the generic name for Senna?
senna
What are some sound alike/look alike issues with Senna?
What are some sound alike/look alike issues with Senna?
Ex-lax Ultra® (bisacodyl) and Ex-Lax Maximum strength® (sennosides)
What is the therapeutic class of Senna?
What is the therapeutic class of Senna?
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Senna increases the rate of colonic motility through direct action on the intestinal ______.
Senna increases the rate of colonic motility through direct action on the intestinal ______.
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What are common indications for using Senna?
What are common indications for using Senna?
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What are some absolute contraindications for using Senna?
What are some absolute contraindications for using Senna?
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What dosage forms are available for Senna?
What dosage forms are available for Senna?
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What is the usual dosing for adults using Senna for constipation?
What is the usual dosing for adults using Senna for constipation?
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What are common adverse effects of Senna?
What are common adverse effects of Senna?
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When should Senna be administered?
When should Senna be administered?
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What clinical teaching should be given regarding the use of Senna?
What clinical teaching should be given regarding the use of Senna?
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Study Notes
Senna Overview
- Known brands: Senokot®, Ex-lax®
- Generic name: senna (pronounced SEN na)
Sound Alike/Look Alike Issues
- Similar products: Ex-lax Ultra® (bisacodyl), Ex-Lax Maximum Strength® (sennosides)
Therapeutic Classification
- Classified as a stimulant laxative, used to induce bowel movements
Mechanism of Action
- Directly acts on the intestinal mucosa
- Increases colonic motility and enhances transit
- Inhibits secretion of water and electrolytes in the intestines
Indications for Use
- Short-term treatment of constipation
- Bowel evacuation before rectal or bowel examinations
Contraindications and Warnings
- Not suitable for patients with:
- Intestinal obstruction
- Acute intestinal inflammation (e.g., Crohn's disease, appendicitis symptoms)
- Ulcerative colitis
- Abdominal pain without known cause
- Has potential black box warnings for severe complications
Available Dosage Forms
- Available as tablets, syrup, and liquid formulations
Usual Dosing Guidelines
- For adults (≥12 years):
- Constipation: Sennosides 15 mg once daily, with a maximum of 70-100 mg/day divided twice
- Bowel evacuation: Sennosides 130 mg taken between 2-4 PM prior to procedures
Common and Serious Side Effects
- Common effects include: abdominal cramps, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting
- Serious effects may involve: nephritis, hepatotoxicity, and melanotic pigmentation of the colonic mucosa
Administration Instructions
- Recommended to take doses at bedtime
- Granules can be consumed plain, mixed with food, or dissolved in liquids
Clinical Teaching Points
- Advise to stop usage and consult a healthcare provider if nausea, vomiting, persistent diarrhea, or abdominal cramps occur
- If constipation worsens or no relief is experienced, recommend contacting a healthcare provider
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Description
Test your knowledge with these flashcards on Senna, including its brand names, generic name, and therapeutic class. Explore its mechanism of action and sound-alike/look-alike issues. Perfect for students and professionals in pharmacology.
