Senna

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Also indexed as:

Black-Draught, Fletcher's Castoria, Gentlax, Senexon, Senna-Gen, Senokot, Senolax

Senna is a laxative used for short-term treatment of constipation. It is available as nonprescription drugs and as herbal products.

Herbs

Summary of Interactions for Senna

Depletion or interference	None known
Adverse interaction	None known
Side effect reduction/prevention	None known
Supportive interaction	None known
Reduced drug absorption/bioavailability	None known
Other (see text)	Digitalis Potassium Sodium

An asterisk (*) next to an item in the summary indicates that the interaction is supported only by weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific evidence.

Interactions with Supplements

Sodium and potassium

Overuse or misuse of laxatives, including senna, can cause water, sodium, and potassium depletion.¹ To avoid depletion problems, people should limit laxative use, including senna, to one week or less.²

Interactions with Herbs

Digitalis (Digitalis lanata, Digitalis purpurea)

Digitalis refers to a family of plants commonly called foxglove that contain digitalis glycosides, chemicals with actions and toxicities similar to the prescription drug digoxin. While the interaction has not been reported, overuse or misuse of senna (leading to potassium loss) may increase digitalis effects and risk of side effects.³ Senna and digitalis-containing products should be used only under the direct supervision of a doctor trained in their use.

References

1. Threlkeld DS, ed. Gastrointestinal Drugs, Laxatives. In Facts and Comparisons Drug Information. St. Louis, MO: Facts and Comparisons, May 1991, 318a-9.
2. Threlkeld DS, ed. Gastrointestinal Drugs, Laxatives. In Facts and Comparisons Drug Information. St. Louis, MO: Facts and Comparisons, May 1991, 318a-9
3. Newall CA, Anderson LA, Phillipson JD. Herbal Medicines: A Guide for Healthcare Professionals. London: Pharmaceutical Press, 1996, 244.

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Last Review: 09-01-2007

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