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Drug Study - Senkot

Senna is a laxative that works by stimulating intestinal cells and causing contractions in the intestine. It contains sennosides which produce water influx into the intestines, resulting in bowel movements. Senna is used for constipation and bowel evacuation. Common side effects include reddish or brown discoloration of urine, abdominal discomfort, nausea, and mild cramping. Long-term or excessive use can lead to laxative dependence, electrolyte imbalances, and other potential issues. Nursing responsibilities include monitoring for side effects and ensuring adequate fluid intake.

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237 views2 pages

Drug Study - Senkot

Senna is a laxative that works by stimulating intestinal cells and causing contractions in the intestine. It contains sennosides which produce water influx into the intestines, resulting in bowel movements. Senna is used for constipation and bowel evacuation. Common side effects include reddish or brown discoloration of urine, abdominal discomfort, nausea, and mild cramping. Long-term or excessive use can lead to laxative dependence, electrolyte imbalances, and other potential issues. Nursing responsibilities include monitoring for side effects and ensuring adequate fluid intake.

Uploaded by

iamthuey
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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  • Drug Information for Senna: Provides detailed drug information about Senna, including its mechanism of action, suggested dosage, indications, contraindications, side effects, and interactions.
  • Nursing Responsibilities: Outlines the responsibilities of nurses in managing patients taking Senna, focusing on fluid intake, monitoring, and assessing for adverse effects.

Generic Name: Senna

Brand Name: Senokot, Ex-lax, Senexon, Senna-Gen


Drug Classification: Pharmacotherapeutic: G.I. stimulant
Clinical: Laxative
Mechanism of Action: Senna contains sennosides which act as a stimulating intestinal
cells, producing contractions in intestine, water influx to
the intestines and bowel movement.
Suggested dosage: Syrup (Senokot): 8.8 mg/5 ml. Tablets (Senexon, Senna-Gen,
Senokot): 8.6 mg. (Ex-Lax, Perdiem): 15 mg.
Indication:
 Constipation
PO (Tablets): ADULTS, ELDERLY, CHILDREN 12 YRS AND OLDER: 2
tablets at bedtime. Maximum: 4 tablets twice daily. CHILDREN 6–11 YRS:
1 tablet at bedtime. Maximum: 2 tablets twice daily. CHILDREN 2–5 YRS:
½ tablet at bedtime. Maximum: 1 tablet twice daily. PO (Syrup): ADULTS,
ELDERLY, CHILDREN 12 YRS AND OLDER: 10–15 ml at bedtime.
Maximum: 15 ml twice daily. CHILDREN 6–11 YRS: 5–7.5 ml at bedtime.
Maximum: 7.5 ml twice daily. CHILDREN 2–5 YRS: 2.5–3.75 ml at
bedtime. Maximum: 3.75 ml twice daily.
 Bowel Evacuation
PO: ADULTS, ELDERLY, CHILDREN OLDER THAN 1 YR: 75 ml
between 2 pm and 4 pm on day prior to procedure.
Contraindication: Undiagnosed abdominal pain, appendicitis, intestinal obstruction or
perforation, nausea, vomiting. Cautions: Prolonged use
(longer than 1 wk) may lead to dependency, fluid and electrolyte
imbalance, vitamin and mineral deficiency.
Side Effects: Frequent: Red, brown discoloration of urine. Occasional: Some degree
of abdominal discomfort, nausea, mild cramping, faintness.
Adverse Effects: Long-term use may result in laxative dependence, chronic
constipation, loss of normal bowel function. Prolonged
use/overdose may result in electrolyte, metabolic
disturbances (e.g., hypokalemia, hypocalcemia, metabolic acidosis
or alkalosis), vomiting, muscle weakness, persistent diarrhea,
malabsorption, weight loss.
Drug Interaction: DRUG: May decrease transit time of concurrently administered oral
medications. HERBAL: None significant. FOOD: None
known. LAB VALUES: May increase serum glucose. May
decrease serum potassium.
Nursing Responsibilities:
 Encourage adequate fluid intake.
 Assess bowel sounds for peristalsis.
 Monitor daily pattern of bowel activity, stool consistency.
 Assess for GI disturbances.
 Monitor serum electrolytes in pts exposed to prolonged, frequent,
excessive use of medication.

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