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Product
Label Information
-
Do
not use when abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting are present,
unless directed by a physician.
- If
you have noticed a sudden change in bowel habits that persists
over a period of 2 weeks, consult a physician before using this
product.
-
Rectal
bleeding or failure to have a bowel movement after use of a
laxative may indicate a serious condition; discontinue use and
consult a physician.
- Laxatives
should not be used for a period longer than one week unless directed
by a Doctor.
-
Pregnant
or nursing women should seek the advice of a healthcare professional
before using this product.
-
Frequent
or prolonged use of this preparation may result in dependence
on laxatives.
- Keep
out of reach of children.
Additional
Warnings Reported
in Medical Literature
- In
rare cases, prolonged use may lead to cardiac arrhythmias, nephropathies,
edema and accelerated bone deterioration. Senna abuse has also
resulted in tetany, aspartylglucosamine excretion, and hypogammaglobulinemia.
-
Long-term use leads to loss of electrolytes, in particular potassium
ions. As a result of hypokalemia (low levels of potassium) hyperaldosteronism,
albuminuria, hematuria, inhibition of intestinal motility, and
muscle weakness can occur. Enhancement of cardioactive glycosides
and antiarrhythics can also occur with hypokalemia. Senna abuse
has resulted in finger clubbing. Anatomic alteration of the colon
is seen secondary to chronic use with Senna (taken more than three
times weekly for a year or longer). The result is a loss of austral
folds, a finding that suggests neuronal injury or damage to colonic
longitudinal musculature. Occupational exposure to senna products
has resulted in allergies, asthma and rhinoconjuntivitis 21.
- Frequent
use causes the colon to function poorly, creating laxative dependence.
Excessive use or abuse is associated with development of cachexia,
decreased serum globulin concentrations, heart function disorders,
osteomalacia, arthopathy, hepatitis, coma, and asthma. Theoretically,
senna and sennosides used concomitantly with other herbs that
are stimulant laxatives can increase the risk of potassium depletion
22.
-
Daily use is strongly discouraged.
-
May cause an accumulation of dark pigment, mainly in the colon
and rectum that is evident after 4-13 months of use 3.
- Results
slowed if taken with food
- May
pass into breast milk 1.
- Senna
Side effects: Confusion; irregular heartbeat; muscle cramps; pink
to red, red to violet or red to brown coloration of alkaline urine;
skin rash; unusual tiredness or weakness; yellow to brown coloration
of acid urine. Less common side effects: belching; cramping; diarrhea,
nausea 2.
- Docusate
side effects: Skin rash; stomach and/or intestinal cramping, throat
irritation - in liquid forms only 2.
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Contraindications
Reported
in
Medical Literature
- With
prolonged use or abuse of senna, loss of potassium may potentiate
digitalis toxicity. It may potentiate arrhythmias when given concomitantly
with antiarrhythmic medications.
- When
given concomitantly, it decreases the serum level of estrogen
due to the effect of intestinal transit on the absorption of estrogens,
and it can reduce the therapeutic effect of indomethacin (NSAIDS)
due to the inhibition of prostaglandin.
- Do
not use while pregnant or nursing.
-
Do not give to children under 2 years of age.
- Elderly
patients should initially take half of the normal prescribing
dose 21.
- Theoretically,
overuse/abuse of this product increases the risk of adverse effects
of cardiac glycoside drugs such as Lanoxin. Overuse can cause
electrolyte disturbances and exacerbate heart disease, electrolyte
imbalances and potassium deficiency 22.
- Do
not take with Mineral Oil 8.
Concurrent use with mineral oil may cause increased absorption
of mineral oil and result in the formation of tumor-like deposits
in tissues 26.
Data
Gathering, Research & Reporting
by Carole Engel, Director Of Outreach
? 2004 Fruit-Eze?, Inc.
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