Questions and Answers
Which of the following are brand names for Senna? (Select all that apply)
What is the generic name for Senna?
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?
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Senna increases the rate of colonic motility through direct action on the intestinal ______.
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What are common indications for using Senna?
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What are some absolute contraindications for using Senna?
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What dosage forms are available for Senna?
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What is the usual dosing for adults using Senna for constipation?
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What are common adverse effects of Senna?
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When should Senna be administered?
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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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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.
