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Senna S vs Senna
Introduction
For patients struggling with constipation or bowel irregularity, certain natural remedies that stimulate the muscles in your gut can help regulate bowel movements and alleviate discomfort. Senna and Senna S are two such treatments often recommended for temporary relief of constipation. They both contain sennosides, which mildly irritate the lining of the bowel and cause a laxative effect. However, their formulation differs slightly, and therefore may be recommended in different specific cases.
Senna is a plant-based medication, offering a non-prescription herbal supplement to aid in regularizing the passage of stools by increasing intestinal motility. On the other hand, Senna S includes sennosides (like Senna), but also docusate sodium, a stool softener. This combination makes it more effective for those suffering from harder stools, as it not only increases intestinal movement but also softens the stools to facilitate their passage.
It's important to remember that overuse or long-term use of any laxatives, including Senna and Senna S, can cause dependency for regular bowel function, so they should be used sparingly and under medical guidance.
Senna S vs Senna Side By Side
| Attribute | Senokot | Peri colace |
|---|---|---|
| Brand Name | Senokot | Peri-Colace |
| Contraindications | Should not be used with anticoagulants, diuretics, or corticosteroids. Not recommended for long-term use without medical supervision. | Should not be used with anticoagulants, diuretics, or corticosteroids. Not recommended for long-term use without medical supervision. |
| Cost | $20 for 60 tablets | $25 for 60 tablets |
| Generic Name | Senna | Senna S (Sennosides with Docusate Sodium) |
| Most Serious Side Effect | Severe abdominal pain or cramping, signs of an allergic reaction | Severe stomach pain or cramping, signs of an allergic reaction |
| Severe Drug Interactions | May alter efficacy or cause side effects with anticoagulants, diuretics, or corticosteroids. | May alter efficacy or cause side effects with anticoagulants, diuretics, or corticosteroids. |
| Typical Dose | 17.2 mg to 68.8 mg per day | 1 to 2 tablets at bedtime |
What is Senna S?
Senna S and Senna are both classified as stimulant laxatives, and are associated with the treatment of constipation. These drugs marked a significant development in the field of over-the-counter solutions for digestive issues, receiving FDA approval based on their effectiveness at increasing activity within the intestines and encouraging bowel movements. They are predominantly used for short-term treatment of acute constipation, or to clear out the bowels before medical procedures.
Senna is primarily composed of sennosides, which work on your intestinal lining to cause a laxative effect by decreasing water absorption and increasing secretions in your intestines. On the other hand, Senna S contains an additional component called docusate sodium in addition to sennosides. Docusate is a stool softener that lowers the surface tension of feces, allowing more water and fats to penetrate them and thus facilitating their excretion.
While these two medications have similar effects, their mechanism of action varies slightly, resulting in different side effects profiles. While generally well-tolerated, some people may experience abdominal discomfort or cramping when using Senna or Senna S.
What conditions is Senna S approved to treat?
Senna S is approved for the treatment of various conditions related to bowel movements, including:
- Occasional constipation
- Constipation caused by certain medications or conditions
- In bowel preparation before medical procedures such as colonoscopy
How does Senna S help with these illnesses?
Senna S works to alleviate constipation by stimulating bowel movements. It does this by causing contractions in the intestines, which helps stool move through the digestive system more easily. Sennosides, one component of Senna S, are natural laxatives that acts on nerve endings in the gut wall to stimulate these contractions. This action plays an important role in digestion and elimination, amongst other things. Despite the minor difference in their names, Senna S stands out from Senna as it also contains docusate sodium, a stool softener. Docusate sodium makes stools softer and easier to pass, complementing the stimulant action of senna for even better results in relieving constipation.
For individuals who are regularly constipated or have difficulty with regular bowel movement due to certain medical conditions or medications, increasing intestinal motility can help manage the condition and stabilize these bodily functions.
What is Senna?
Senna, a natural medicine derived from the senna plant, is an over-the-counter herbal laxative that increases activity of the intestines to help produce a bowel movement. It works by irritating the lining of the bowels and stimulating muscle contraction in the intestines. Senna has been used for centuries in traditional medicines around the world, and it was approved by the FDA as a non-prescription drug in 1999.
The active components in senna are beneficial for treating occasional constipation, especially in patients who do not respond well with other conventional laxatives. While Senna is usually well-tolerated when used short-term (for up to one week), long-term use can lead to dependency and loss of normal bowel function. Its side effects may also include stomach discomfort, cramps, or diarrhea.
What conditions is Senna approved to treat?
Senna is approved for the treatment of constipation. It's widely recognized and used because of its effective laxative properties. Specifically, Senna can be used to treat:
- Occasional constipation
- Constipation related to certain medical conditions or medications
- In preparation for a colonoscopy or other medical procedures requiring empty bowels
How does Senna help with these illnesses?
Senna, or more precisely senna glycoside, is a multi-component extract from a plant (also named senna) that has been used for centuries as a laxative. It works by irritating the lining of the bowel, which triggers contractions that push stool through the intestines. As with other stimulant laxatives, ample hydration is necessary when taking senna to prevent dehydration and electrolyte imbalance.
Senna can be effective in relieving occasional constipation through its laxative properties. Since it does not significantly affect water absorption in the large intestine (unlike osmotic laxatives such as lactulose or polyethylene glycol), it is often prescribed to patients who do not respond well to these types of treatments or who prefer natural options.
How effective are Senna S and Senna?
Both Senna and Senna S are reliable over-the-counter treatments for constipation, primarily used as short-term remedies. They both work by irritating the lining of the bowel to cause a laxative effect, helping your digestive system move stools through your body.
Senna is a plant-derived medicine containing only extracted sennosides which act on the lower bowels to stimulate peristalsis (the muscular activity of the colon), leading to elimination of stool. It's typically administered alone when dealing solely with constipation issues. On the other hand, Senna S combines sennosides with docusate sodium, a stool softener that can help make bowel movements more comfortable for people who have hard stools, or hemorrhoids or anal fissures.
A study published in 2004 found that both substances were effective in managing symptoms related to constipation, but noted that patients taking combination therapy such as Senna S reported less straining during bowel movements and overall greater satisfaction than those using a single-drug treatment like senna. Senna S can offer additional relief from discomfort associated with hard stools due its dual action combining laxative and stool softening properties.
While both medications can be effective in treating occasional bouts of constipation, it should be noted that they're not intended for long-term use without physician supervision due to their potential to cause side effects such as electrolyte imbalance and dependency. The optimal dosage varies depending on individual needs. It's a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional before using either senna or Senna S.
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At what dose is Senna S typically prescribed?
Oral dosages of Senna S range from one to two tablets taken by mouth once daily at bedtime, for both adults and children over six years old. Dosage can be adjusted based on individual patient response, but should not exceed the maximum dose as recommended by the doctor or as per the product insert.
At what dose is Senna typically prescribed?
Senna treatment typically begins with a dosage of 17.2 mg (1 tablet) per day. This dose can then be increased to 34.4 mg/day, divided into two doses and spaced 12 hours apart. The maximum recommended dose is 68.8 mg per day, equal to four tablets of 17.2 mg or three doses of 23 mg (tablets are also available in 25 mg format). This higher dose may be recommended if there is no response to the initial treatment after a few days. The doses must be spread out by approximately eight hours. It's worth noting that these dosages are for adults and children over twelve years old. Younger children should have their dosage determined by a healthcare provider based on weight and age.
What are the most common side effects of Senna S?
Common side effects of Senna S may include:
- Abdominal discomfort or cramping
- Diarrhea, potentially leading to dehydration
- Nausea
- Loss of appetite (anorexia)
- Pigmentation in the colon after long-term use, known as melanosis coli
- Electrolyte imbalance including low potassium levels (hypokalemia)
As with any medication, if these symptoms persist or worsen, consult your healthcare provider promptly.
Are there any potential serious side effects for Senna S?
Even though Senna S is generally considered safe for short-term use, it has the potential to cause some more serious side effects. In rare cases, severe side effects can include:
- Signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue or throat
- Severe stomach pain or cramping
- Diarrhea that is watery or bloody
- Unusual weakness or fatigue
- Unexplained weight loss
- Discoloration of urine (dark color) or stools (turning a clay-like color)
- Dehydration symptoms: feeling very thirsty or hot; being unable to urinate; heavy sweating; hot and dry skin
If you experience any of the above side effects while taking Senna S, stop using it immediately and consult your doctor. Long-term use can lead to dependency on the laxative effect, so it's always important to follow dosage instructions carefully.
What are the most common side effects of senna?
Senna can cause minor side effects such as:
- Stomach discomfort or cramping
- Diarrhea or loose stools
- Nausea and vomiting
- Loss of appetite due to frequent bowel movements
- Increased urination due to increased water intake for hydration
- Dehydration symptoms like dizziness and headache, if not adequately hydrated
Although these potential side effects can occur, they are generally rare when senna is taken in the recommended dosage and for short periods of time. Note that these side effects also apply to Senna S, which contains the same ingredient as senna.
Are there any potential serious side effects for senna?
Senna, though generally well-tolerated, can trigger more serious side effects in rare cases. These could include:
- Signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Severe abdominal pain or cramping
- Nausea or vomiting that persists
- Diarrhea accompanied by potential dehydration symptoms like dizziness, dry mouth/throat/lips, feeling faint
If you notice any of these symptoms after taking senna, it's recommended that you seek immediate medical attention.
Contraindications for Senna S and Senna
Both senna and Senna S may worsen symptoms of stomach discomfort in some individuals. If you notice intensified abdominal pain or an increase in constipation following the use of either of these products, please seek immediate medical attention.
Neither senna nor Senna S should be used if you are taking certain medications including anticoagulants (blood thinners), diuretics (water pills), or corticosteroids, as they can alter their efficacy or cause unwarranted side effects due to harmful interactions. Always inform your healthcare provider about any medications you are currently taking in order to prevent potential drug interactions with either Senna or Senna S.
Using either formulation over a long period of time could cause changes in electrolyte balance, which might require a few weeks to stabilize again. Therefore, prolonged usage without medical supervision is strongly discouraged.
How much do Senna S and senna cost?
For the brand-name versions of these drugs:
- The price for 60 tablets of Senokot (a common brand name for Senna) averages around $20, which works out to about $0.30 per day if you take two tablets daily.
- A box of 60 tablets of Peri-Colace (another common brand name version similar to Senna S) costs approximately $25, working out to roughly $0.40 per day.
Thus, Peri-Colace or Senna S will tend to be slightly more expensive on a per-day treatment basis than standard senna.
However, it's important to note that cost should not be the primary factor when deciding between these medications. Instead, consider their effectiveness and whether the stool-softening properties of the added docusate in Senna S is necessary for your personal needs.
In terms of generic versions:
-
Generic senna can be purchased at prices ranging from about $5–$10 for 100 tablets. If you're taking two tablets daily in line with typical dosages, this equates to roughly $0.10–$0.20 per day.
-
Generic sennosides with docusate sodium (essentially equivalent to Senna S) usually comes in packs containing 60 or more tablets, starting around the same price range ($6-$12). Cost of treatment per day may reach $0.30 per day, as the usual recommended dose is slightly higher than that of regular senna.
Remember that individual responses vary greatly among patients, so it's important to consult with your healthcare provider. Decisions about medications should not be based solely on cost comparisons.
Popularity of Senna S and Senna
Senna, a plant-derived medicine used to treat constipation, is prescribed or sold over-the-counter in its various forms to millions of people in the US every year. Senna accounts for a significant proportion of laxative use, and is considered a first-line therapy for occasional constipation due to its relatively favorable safety profile and effectiveness.
Senna S is a combination product that includes both senna and docusate sodium. Docusate is added for its stool-softening properties, which can make bowel movements less painful if you're suffering from hard stools or conditions like anal fissures or hemorrhoids. Senna S is also highly prevalent in the treatment of constipation, particularly for its dual-action mechanism providing strong relief.
It's important to note that while both Senna and Senna S are commonly used treatments for short-term relief from constipation, they should not be used over the long term (longer than one week) without medical supervision due to risk of side effects such as electrolyte imbalance and dependence.
Conclusion
Both Senna S and Senna have long-standing histories of use in providing relief from constipation. They act as stimulant laxatives, working by increasing the muscle contractions that move the stool mass through the bowel. Both are considered effective alternatives for short-term relief from occasional constipation.
Senna S differs from regular senna in that it combines sennosides (the active ingredient in senna, derived from extracts of the leaves of the senna plant) with docusate sodium, a stool softener. This combination is designed to make bowel movements softer and easier to pass, while also stimulating increased gut motility. As they work somewhat differently on relieving constipation symptoms, their use may be indicated under different circumstances.
Both drugs are available over-the-counter, which represents significant convenience for patients who need immediate relief from discomfort due to constipation. However, both medications might take 6–12 hours (or more) to produce a bowel movement after they're first ingested. It's important to be patient and drink plenty of water to help them produce their effect.
The side effect profiles of these two medication options are similar, including abdominal cramps or stomach discomfort. These side effects usually resolve quickly on their own, but if they persist or are severe, you should seek immediate medical attention. Long-term usage of either senna or Senna S can potentially lead to dependency or changes in electrolyte balance, and should not be considered unless directed by a medical professional.
Patients should closely monitor their responses when starting treatment with senna or Senna S, and should seek medical help if severe stomach pain occurs or if no bowel movement is produced within 48 hours of use.
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Refrences
- Kobayashi, M., Yamaguchi, T., Odaka, T., Nakamura, T., Tsuchiya, S., Yokosuka, O., & Yano, S. (2007, June 20). Regionally Differential Effects of Sennoside A on Spontaneous Contractions of Colon in Mice. Basic & Clinical Pharmacology & Toxicology. Wiley.http://doi.org/10.1111/j.1742-7843.2007.00088.x
- Cao, Y., He, Y., Wei, C., Li, J., Qu, L., Zhang, H., … Qiao, B. (2018, October 17). Aquaporins Alteration Profiles Revealed Different Actions of Senna, Sennosides, and Sennoside A in Diarrhea-Rats. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. MDPI AG.http://doi.org/10.3390/ijms19103210