Senna laxative
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- Senokot (sennosides 8.6 mg). Best for: Flexible dosing from a low starting dose. See options on Amazon
- Ex-Lax Maximum Strength (sennosides 25 mg). Best for: Fewer tablets per dose. See options on Amazon
- Psyllium fiber supplement. Best for: Long-term regularity. See options on Amazon
Senokot vs Ex-Lax Maximum Strength
| Detail | Senokot | Ex-Lax Maximum Strength |
|---|---|---|
| Sennosides per tablet | 8.6 mg | 25 mg |
| Adults and children 12 and over | Start 2 tablets once a day; maximum 4 tablets twice a day | 2 tablets once or twice daily |
| Children 6 to under 12 | Start 1 tablet once a day; maximum 2 tablets twice a day | 1 tablet once or twice daily |
| Younger children | 2 to under 6: half a tablet once a day, max 1 twice a day; under 2: ask a doctor | Under 6: ask a doctor |
Details are from each product's DailyMed label.
Where senna fits among laxatives
NIDDK lists five kinds of laxatives a health care professional may recommend for a short time: fiber supplements, osmotic agents such as Milk of Magnesia and MiraLAX, stool softeners such as docusate, lubricants such as mineral oil, and stimulants. Senna is a stimulant laxative. NIDDK says you should only use stimulants if your constipation is severe or other treatments have not worked.
For gentler options, see our gentle laxative guide, stool softener guide and psyllium husk powder guide.
How to take senna
- Timing. Senokot says take it preferably at bedtime, since it generally produces a bowel movement in 6 to 12 hours.
- Start low. Senokot gives a starting dose and a maximum dose; begin with the starting dose.
- Swallow whole. Ex-Lax says swallow tablets with a glass of water and do not crush, break or chew them.
- Space out other medicines. Ex-Lax says laxatives may affect how other drugs work, so take it 2 or more hours before or after other drugs.
- Short term only. Do not use for longer than 1 week unless directed by a doctor.
Warnings
- Do not use laxatives when abdominal pain, nausea or vomiting are present unless directed by a doctor, the Ex-Lax label says.
- Ask a doctor first if you have noticed a sudden change in bowel habits that continues over 2 weeks.
- Stop and ask a doctor if you have rectal bleeding or fail to have a bowel movement after using a laxative; these may indicate a serious condition.
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding: ask a health professional before use.
- Overdose: get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away.
Check the Other information panel too: each Senokot tablet contains calcium 20 mg, and each Ex-Lax Maximum Strength tablet contains calcium 40 mg and magnesium 5 mg. Store them as the labels direct, at room temperature, and keep them out of reach of children, since chocolate or candy-like laxatives can look like treats.
Getting off laxatives
NIDDK says that if you have been taking laxatives for a long time and cannot have a bowel movement without one, talk with your doctor about how to slowly stop using them, and that if you stop, over time your colon should start moving stool normally.
Long-term habits matter more than any pill. NIDDK says adults should get 22 to 34 grams of fiber a day depending on age and sex, and should drink plenty of water and other liquids when they eat more fiber or take a fiber supplement.
Other ways to ease constipation
A footstool to raise your feet on the toilet may make some people more comfortable; see our toilet stool guide. Magnesium-based products are another option some doctors suggest; see our magnesium citrate guide. See a doctor for constipation with blood in the stool, unexplained weight loss, severe belly pain, or a change in bowel habits that lasts.
What to look for when you buy
Senokot (sennosides 8.6 mg)
Best for: Flexible dosing from a low starting dose
Its label lists sennosides 8.6 mg with starting and maximum doses by age.
Watch out: Do not use for longer than 1 week unless a doctor directs.
See options on AmazonEx-Lax Maximum Strength (sennosides 25 mg)
Best for: Fewer tablets per dose
Its label lists sennosides 25 mg, 2 tablets once or twice daily for adults.
Watch out: Take 2 or more hours apart from other medicines.
See options on AmazonPsyllium fiber supplement
Best for: Long-term regularity
NIDDK lists fiber supplements among laxatives and recommends 22 to 34 grams of fiber a day for adults.
Watch out: Drink plenty of fluids with fiber.
See options on AmazonQuestions people ask
- How long does senna take to work?
- The labels say it generally produces a bowel movement in 6 to 12 hours.
- When should I take senna?
- Senokot says preferably at bedtime or as directed by a doctor.
- How long can I use senna?
- Not longer than 1 week unless directed by a doctor, per the labels.
- Is senna safe to take every day?
- NIDDK says use stimulants only if constipation is severe or other treatments have not worked; talk to a doctor about long-term use.
- Is senna a stool softener?
- No. Senna is a stimulant laxative; stool softeners such as docusate are a different type.
- Can children take senna?
- Senokot lists doses from age 2 and Ex-Lax from age 6; ask a doctor for younger children.
Sources
- Senokot (sennosides) tablet label (dailymed.nlm.nih.gov), DailyMed, U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Ex-Lax Maximum Strength (sennosides) label (dailymed.nlm.nih.gov), DailyMed, U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Treatment for Constipation (niddk.nih.gov), National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases