Details for: SENOKOT S
Company: PURDUE PHARMA
| DIN | DIN name | Active Ingredient(s) | Strength | Dosage Form | Route of Administration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 00026123 | SENOKOT S | SENNOSIDES; DOCUSATE SODIUM | 8.6 MG; 50 MG | TABLET | ORAL |
Consumer Information
This information was provided by the drug’s manufacturer when this drug product was approved for sale in Canada. It is designed for consumers and care givers. It is a summary of information about the drug and will not tell you everything about the drug. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions about the drug.
What the medication is used for
What is Senokot•S used for?
- gentle relief of occasional constipation (irregularity)
- softens the stool
What it does
Senokot•S contains two active ingredients, senna (standardized sennosides) and docusate sodium. Senna increases the wave-like muscle activity in your lower gut to help move stool through your bowel. The docusate sodium softens the stool for easier passing.
When it should not be used
Do not use Senokot•S if you have:
- an allergy to sennosides (senna), docusate sodium or any other ingredient in the tablets
- severe abdominal pain that begins suddenly
- abnormal cramping or narrowing in your throat, stomach or intestines
- lack of muscle tone or strength in the colon
- appendicitis
- inflamed bowels or a bowel disease such as Crohn's or bowel ulcers
- abdominal pain of unknown origin
- undiagnosed rectal bleeding
- severe dehydration
- fecal impaction (a large lump of dry, hard stool that develops in the rectum)
- intestinal blockage
- undiagnosed, acute or persistent gastrointestinal complaints (e.g., abdominal pain, nausea, fever or vomiting)
What the medicinal ingredient is
Standardized sennosides from senna and docusate sodium.
What the non-medicinal ingredients are
Corn starch, D&C Yellow No.10 Aluminum Lake, FD&C Yellow No. 6 Aluminum Lake, guar gum, lecithin, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, polyethylene glycol, polyvinyl alcohol, silicon dioxide, sodium benzoate, talc and titanium dioxide.
What dosage form it comes in
Tablets containing 8.6 mg standardized sennosides and docusate sodium 50 mg.
Warnings and precautions
To help avoid side effects and ensure proper use, talk to your healthcare professional before you take Senokot•S. Talk about any health conditions or problems you may have, including if you:
- are pregnant or breastfeeding
- have a kidney problem
- take heart medications, water pills, steroids, licorice root or other medications which may worsen electrolyte balance
Reduce dose or discontinue use if you experience abdominal pain, cramps or spasms and/or
diarrhea.
Do not take Senokot•S or any other laxative for more than one week. If laxatives are needed
every day, consult a healthcare professional.
Long-term use of stimulant laxatives should be avoided. Prolonged excessive use or misuse
may cause loss of bowel function.
If rectal bleeding or failure to have a bowel movement occurs after use, do not take another
dose and consult a doctor as there may be a more serious condition.
If you have a sudden change in your bowel movements that lasts more than 2 weeks, consult a
doctor before taking this product or any laxative.
There is a very small amount of sodium (less than 2.6 mg) in Senokot•S.
Consult a healthcare practitioner if symptoms continue to occur or worsen.
Interactions with this medication
Tell your healthcare professional about all the medicines you take, including any drugs,
vitamins, minerals, natural supplements or alternative medicines.
Senokot•S should not be taken within 2 hours of another medicine as it may reduce the
effectiveness of the other medicine.
The following may interact with Senokot•S:
- Mineral oil - docusate sodium may increase the absorption of mineral oil from the gastrointestinal tract leading to toxicity.
- Cardiac medications such as cardiac glycosides (drug that increase the force of contraction of the heart) or antiarrhythmic medications (drugs that restore the normal rhythm of the heart).
- Thiazide diuretics (drugs used to treat high blood pressure), corticosteroids, liquorice root or other medications or health products which may worsen electrolyte imbalance.
Proper use of this medication
Take preferably at bedtime. A bowel movement generally occurs within 6 to 12 hours. The correct dose is the smallest amount required to produce a comfortable soft-formed stool. This varies between people. Drink increased fluids (one full glass or more) with each dose.
Usual Dose
Adults and children 12 years and older:
1 to 2 tablets at bedtime, as required. Maximum 4 tablets twice a day (8 tablets in 24 hours).
Children (6 to 11 years):
½ to 1 tablet at bedtime. Maximum 1 tablet twice a day (2 tablets in 24 hours).
Overdose
The major symptoms of overdose are abdominal pain and severe diarrhea leading to excessive water loss (dehydration) and possible electrolyte imbalance (i.e. low potassium).
If you think you have taken too much Senokot•S, contact your healthcare professional, hospital emergency department or regional poison control centre immediately, even if there are no symptoms.
Side effects and what to do about them
The most common side effect you may experience is abdominal pain.
The uncommon and very rare side effects include: anaphylactic and anaphylactoid reactions
(severe allergic reactions), chromaturia (urine discolouration), feces discolouration, nausea,
rash erythematous (redness and skin inflammation surrounding a patch of skin where a rash is
located), rash maculo-papular (red bumpy skin), perianal irritation (skin irritation surrounding
the anal area), rectal hemorrhage (severe bleeding in the rectal area), urticaria (raised red,
itchy areas on the skin also known as hives) and vomiting.
Other side effects may include: diarrhea, hypersensitivity and pruritus (itching).
These are not all the possible side effects that you may feel when taking Senokot•S. If you
experience any side effects not listed here, contact your healthcare professional.
| Symptom / effect | Talk to your healthcare professional Only if severe | Talk to your healthcare professional In all cases | Stop taking drug and get immediate medical help |
|---|---|---|---|
| Common | |||
| abdominal pain (cramps or spasms) | ✔ | ||
| Uncommon | |||
| bleeding in the rectal area | ✔ | ||
| Very Rare | |||
| allergic reaction | ✔ | ||
| diarrhea | ✔ | ||
If you have a troublesome symptom or side effect that is not listed here or becomes bad enough to interfere with your daily activities, talk to your healthcare professional.
How to store
Store at room temperature (15°C to 25°C).
Keep out of reach and sight of children.
Reporting side effects
Reporting Side Effects
You can report any suspected side effects associated with the use of health products to Health Canada by:
- Visiting the Web page on Adverse Reaction Reporting (https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-health-products/medeffect-canada/adverse-reaction-reporting.html) for information on how to report online, by mail or by fax; or
- Calling toll-free at 1-866-234-2345.
NOTE: Contact your health professional if you need information about how to manage your side effects. The Canada Vigilance Program does not provide medical advice.
More information
If you want more information about Senokot•S:
- Talk to your healthcare professional
- Find the full prescribing information that is prepared for healthcare professionals and includes this Patient Medication Information by visiting the Health Canada website (http://hc-sc.gc.ca/index-eng.php); the manufacturer’s website (purdue.ca), or by calling 1-800-387-4501.
This leaflet was prepared by Purdue Pharma.
Last Revised: SEPTEMBER 8, 2020