Docusate and senna Uses, Side Effects & Warnings - Drugs.com

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# Docusate and senna

Generic name: docusate and senna [ DOK-yoo-sate-and-SEN-a ]
Brand names: Colace 2-in-1, Dok Plus, Peri-Colace, Senexon-S, Senna Plus, ... show all 17 brands Senna S, Senna-Time S, Senokot S, SenoSol-SS, Stool Softener with Laxative, Gentlax S, Ex-Lax Gentle Strength, Sennalax-S, Doculax, Doc-Q-Lax, Laxacin, Stool Softener + Stimulant Laxative
Dosage forms: oral capsule (50 mg-8.6 mg); oral tablet (50 mg-8.6 mg)
Drug class: Laxatives

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Mar 17, 2021. Written by Cerner Multum.

## What is docusate and senna?

Docusate is a stool softener. Senna is a laxative.

Docusate and senna is a combination medicine used to treat occasional constipation.

Docusate and senna may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

## Warnings

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.

## Before taking this medicine

You should not use docusate and senna if you are allergic to docusate or senna, or if you are also taking mineral oil.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if this medicine is safe to use if you have ever had:

- nausea or vomiting;

- stomach pain;

- a sudden change in bowel habits that lasts for 2 weeks or longer; or

- an intestinal disorder such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis.

Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Do not give this medicine to a child younger than 2 years old without medical advice.

## How should I use docusate and senna?

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.

Take docusate and senna with a full glass of water.

It may be best to take this medicine at night or at bedtime. Docusate and senna should cause you to have a bowel movement within 6 to 12 hours.

Do not take docusate and senna for longer than 7 days in a row, unless your doctor tells you to.

Call your doctor if your constipation does not improve or if it gets worse after taking docusate and senna.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

## What happens if I miss a dose?

Since docusate and senna is used when needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. Skip any missed dose if it's almost time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at one time.

## What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, or diarrhea.

## What should I avoid while using docusate and senna?

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using any other laxative or other stool softener that may contain ingredients similar to docusate or senna.

## Docusate and senna side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Docusate and senna may cause serious side effects. Stop using docusate and senna and call your doctor at once if you have:

- rectal bleeding;

- severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting; or

- no bowel movement.

Common side effects of docusate and senna may include:

- gas, bloating;

- diarrhea; or

- mild nausea.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Docusate/senna side effects (more detail)

## Docusate and senna dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Constipation -- Acute:

2 to 4 tablets orally daily in divided doses or as a single daily dose preferably in the evening

Usual Pediatric Dose for Constipation -- Acute:

2 to 6 years: up to 1 tablet daily
6 to 12 years: 1 to 2 tablets daily

Detailed Docusate/senna dosage information

## What other drugs will affect docusate and senna?

Other drugs may affect docusate and senna, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

Docusate/senna drug interactions (more detail)

## Where can I get more information?

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

## More about docusate/senna

- Check interactions
- Compare alternatives
- Pricing & coupons
- Reviews (18)
- Drug images
- Side effects
- Dosage information
- During pregnancy
- Drug class: laxatives

### Patient resources

#### Other brands

Senna Plus, Senna S, Senokot S, Senexon-S, ... +9 more

### Related treatment guides

- Constipation, Acute

## Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

Copyright 1996-2023 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 3.02.