Side Effects Of Senna

NHS medicines information on side effects of senna and what you can do to cope.

Like all medicines, senna may cause side effects in some people, but many people have no side effects or only minor ones.

Common side effects

Common side effects of senna, which happen in more than 1 in 100 people, are stomach cramps and diarrhoea.

You are particularly likely to get stomach cramps and diarrhoea with senna if you have constipation related to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Stop taking senna if you get diarrhoea.

If you take the combined contraceptive pill or progestogen-only pill and you have severe diarrhoea for more than 24 hours , your contraception may not protect you from pregnancy. Check the pill packet for advice.

Your pee may turn a red-brown colour while you're taking senna. This is harmless and returns to normal after treatment has ended.

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if the side effects bother you or do not go away.

Serious allergic reaction

In rare cases, it's possible to have a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to senna.

Long-term side effects

Ideally you'll only take senna for a few days. Taking it for a long time can cause an electrolyte imbalance, where levels of substances like sodium, potassium and magnesium in your body get too high or too low.

A severe electrolyte imbalance can cause serious health problems, such as muscle spasms or twitching, and even cause a seizure or fit.

Using senna for many weeks, even months, could also stop your bowel working properly on its own.

Only take senna regularly long term if it has been prescribed for you.

Other side effects

These are not all the side effects of senna. For a full list see the leaflet inside your medicines packet.

If you want to find out more about this particular topic you can visit the Original article on the NHS website. If you are worried by any aspect of your health make sure you go and see your doctor or book an appointment at your local clinic.