Senna
Brand names: Senokot, Manevac
Senna is a stimulant laxative for the short-term treatment of constipation.
ClinCalc Pro is rebuilding its dose data from primary open sources — the manufacturer SmPC (eMC), the WHO Model Formulary and other official references — under clinician review. This drug's structured dose is not yet published here. Confirm all doses against the product SmPC and your local formulary before prescribing.
Clinical monograph
How it works
Its anthraquinone components stimulate colonic motility and secretion, usually producing a bowel movement within about 8-12 hours.
Prescribing in practice
- Avoid in intestinal obstruction.
- Use it short-term — prolonged use can lead to dependence and electrolyte disturbance.
- Address underlying causes, fluid and fibre intake.
Monitoring
Review bowel habit; no routine monitoring.
Counselling the patient
- It usually works overnight.
- Drink plenty of fluids.
- It is not for regular long-term daily use without advice.
Evidence & guidelines
A first-line stimulant laxative for constipation per NICE CKS guidance.
Reference: NICE NG31 Palliative Care — Constipation; SPC Senokot; Drug verified in RxNorm (NLM); confirm dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC). Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).
Related
Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.
- Lower Gastrointestinal Bleed · BSG 2019; NICE NG141
- Variceal Upper GI Bleed · BSG 2015; Baveno VII (2022)
- Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis (SBP) · BSG / EASL 2018
- Hepatorenal Syndrome · EASL 2018; ICA 2015
- Hepatic Encephalopathy · EASL 2014; West Haven criteria
- Clostridioides difficile Colitis · NICE NG199 (2021); IDSA/SHEA 2021