How to Take Senokot: Side Effects, Dosage
How to take Senokot: dosage, side effects, interactions and usage tips for occasional constipation relief.
Not medical advice. Speak with a healthcare professional before using any medication.
Reviewed by:
Updated Feb, 15
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Information sourced from FDA-approved prescribing information and peer-reviewed medical references.
How to Take Senokot
How to Take Senokot
Per OTC labeling, the following dosing information reflects standard label instructions for Senokot (senna).
- Adults and teens 12+: Per OTC labeling, take 2 tablets (8.6 mg each) once at bedtime. If needed, up to 4 tablets at bedtime, as directed on the label.
- Children 6–11 years: Per OTC labeling, give 1 tablet at bedtime. If needed, may increase to 2 tablets at bedtime per label directions.
- Children 2–5 years: Per OTC labeling, use ½ tablet at bedtime. If needed, may increase to 1 tablet at bedtime per label directions. Tablets may be crushed and mixed with a small amount of soft food if swallowing is difficult.
Liquid Senokot: Per OTC labeling, follow the dosing cup provided. Refer to the product label for the correct mL amount corresponding to the appropriate dose.
- Per OTC labeling, take with a full glass of water.
- Per OTC labeling, best taken at night so the effect typically occurs in the morning.
- Per OTC labeling, do not use for more than 1 week without consulting a clinician.
Warnings Before Taking Senokot
- Per OTC labeling, avoid if you have severe abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting unless a clinician has evaluated you.
- Per OTC labeling, do not use if you have a bowel obstruction or unexplained changes in bowel habits lasting over two weeks.
- Per OTC labeling, ask a doctor first if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking other medications.
Senokot Side Effects
Common
Moderate
Abdominal Cramping
Per OTC labeling, abdominal cramping is a recognized side effect of senna laxatives, as senna stimulates bowel muscle contractions to move stool.
Per OTC Drug Facts labeling. If symptoms persist or worsen, stop use and consult a healthcare provider.
Normally lasts for:
1–6 hours
Common
Moderate
Diarrhea
Per OTC labeling, senna may cause loose or more frequent stools, especially if the dose is higher than needed. If diarrhea persists, stop use and consult a clinician.
Per OTC Drug Facts labeling. If symptoms persist or worsen, stop use and consult a healthcare provider.
Normally lasts for:
4–12 hours
Uncommon
Mild
Nausea
Per OTC labeling, a small number of users may experience mild nausea after taking Senokot.
Per OTC Drug Facts labeling. If symptoms persist or worsen, stop use and consult a healthcare provider.
Normally lasts for:
30 minutes–2 hours
Common
Mild
Gas or Bloating
Per OTC labeling, increased intestinal activity may cause temporary gas or bloating.
Per OTC Drug Facts labeling. If symptoms persist or worsen, stop use and consult a healthcare provider.
Normally lasts for:
1–6 hours
Rare
Mild
Electrolyte Imbalance
Per OTC labeling, with frequent loose stools, the body can lose electrolytes such as potassium, which may cause mild weakness or lightheadedness. Contact a clinician if this occurs.
Per OTC Drug Facts labeling. If symptoms persist or worsen, stop use and consult a healthcare provider.
Normally lasts for:
Not typical after a single dose; if it occurs: 6–24 hours
Uncommon
Mild
Urine Color Changes
Per OTC labeling, senna may cause urine to appear slightly reddish-brown. This is a known, reversible effect that resolves once the medication is stopped.
Per OTC Drug Facts labeling. If symptoms persist or worsen, stop use and consult a healthcare provider.
Normally lasts for:
Up to 24–48 hours
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What If You Forgot to Take Senokot
What If You Forgot to Take Senokot?
Per OTC labeling, if you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, as long as it is not close to your next scheduled time. If it is already near your next dose, simply skip the missed one.
Do not double up to catch up — this can lead to unnecessary cramping or diarrhea.
Return to your usual dosing routine at your next regular time.
What If You Took Too Much Senokot
What If You Took Too Much Senokot?
Contact Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 immediately. For children or if the person is unable to keep fluids down, seek urgent medical care. Taking too much senna may cause electrolyte imbalance from excessive diarrhea.
- Do not take any additional doses until you have spoken with Poison Control or a clinician.
- If you have repeated vomiting, lightheadedness, or cannot keep fluids down, seek medical care promptly.
- Keep this and all medications out of reach of children.
How Much Does Senokot Cost
How Much Does Senokot Cost with Insurance?
With most insurance plans, coverage for Senokot (senna) as an over-the-counter laxative varies. Some plans cover OTC medications when prescribed; others do not. Contact your insurance provider or pharmacy for your specific coverage and out-of-pocket cost information. HSA/FSA cards may allow reimbursement in some cases.
Pricing information is subject to change. Contact your pharmacy or insurance plan for current pricing.
How Much Does Senokot Cost without Insurance
Senokot Cost Without Insurance
The price can vary by pharmacy, strength, and package size. Senokot contains sennosides as its active ingredient. Contact your local pharmacy for current pricing on standard Senokot tablets and Senokot-S (with stool softener). Store-brand senna equivalents are also available and may be more affordable.
Pricing information is subject to change. Contact your pharmacy for current pricing.
Resources:
https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/senna/
https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a601104.html
https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2016/017088s061lbl.pdf
https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/senna-oral-route/description/drg-20406012
https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=de5cdf62-7bae-4f0e-9b0a-d3d3a5e7c03c
