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Also indexed as: Black-Draught, Fletcher’s Castoria, Gentlax, Senexon, Senna-Gen, Senokot, Senolax
Senna is a laxative used for short-term treatment of constipation. It is available as nonprescription drugs and as herbal products.
Summary of Interactions with Vitamins, Herbs, and Foods
In some cases, an herb or supplement may appear in more than one category, which may seem contradictory. For clarification, read the full article for details about the summarized interactions.
 Check: Other—Before taking any of these supplements or eating any of these foods with your medication, read this article in full for details. | Digitalis Potassium Sodium |
| Depletion or interference | None known |
| Side effect reduction/prevention | None known |
| Supportive interaction | None known |
| Reduced drug absorption/bioavailability | None known |
| Adverse interaction | None known |
An asterisk (*) next to an item in the summary indicates that the interaction is supported only by weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific evidence.
Sodium and potassium
Overuse or misuse of laxatives, including senna, can cause water, sodium, and potassium depletion.1 To avoid depletion problems, people should limit laxative use, including senna, to one week or less.2
Digitalis (Digitalis lanata, Digitalis purpurea)
Digitalis refers to a family of plants commonly called foxglove that contain digitalis glycosides, chemicals with actions and toxicities similar to the prescription drug digoxin. While the interaction has not been reported, overuse or misuse of senna (leading to potassium loss) may increase digitalis effects and risk of side effects.3 Senna and digitalis-containing products should be used only under the direct supervision of a doctor trained in their use.
1. Threlkeld DS, ed. Gastrointestinal Drugs, Laxatives. In Facts and Comparisons Drug Information. St. Louis, MO: Facts and Comparisons, May 1991, 318a–9.
2. Threlkeld DS, ed. Gastrointestinal Drugs, Laxatives. In Facts and Comparisons Drug Information. St. Louis, MO: Facts and Comparisons, May 1991, 318a–9
3. Newall CA, Anderson LA, Phillipson JD. Herbal Medicines: A Guide for Healthcare Professionals. London: Pharmaceutical Press, 1996, 244.
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Learn more about the authors of Using Medicines with Vitamins and Herbs
The information presented in Healthnotes is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires September 2008.
