Senna glycoside

Senna glycoside, also known as sennoside or senna, is a medication used to treat constipation and empty the large intestine before surgery. The medication is taken orally (swallowed by mouth) or via the rectum. It typically begins working in around 30 minutes when given by rectum and within twelve hours when given orally. It is a weaker laxative than bisacodyl and castor oil.

Common side effects of senna glycoside include abdominal cramps. It is not recommended for long-term use, as it may result in poor bowel function or electrolyte problems. While no harm has been found to result from use while breastfeeding, such use is not typically recommended. It is not typically recommended in children. Senna may change urine to a somewhat reddish color. Senna derivatives are a type of stimulant laxative and are of the anthraquinone type. While its mechanism of action is not entirely clear, senna is thought to act by increasing fluid secretion within and contraction of the large intestine.

Sennosides come from the group of plants Senna. In plant form, it has been used at least since the 700s AD. It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines. It is available as a generic medication. In 2022, it was the 280th most commonly prescribed medication in the United States, with more than 600,000 prescriptions. In 2022, the combination with docusate was the 261st most commonly prescribed medication in the United States, with more than 1 million prescriptions. It is sold under a number of brand names including Ex-Lax and Senokot.