Senna (Sennosides): study card

Senna (Sennosides) — Stimulant laxative. Study the mechanism, listed uses and warnings from the US label on one sourced card.

Generic name
Senna (Sennosides)
Class
Stimulant laxative
Mechanism
Colonic bacteria convert senna constituents to an active metabolite that stimulates colonic peristalsis.
Used for
Occasional constipation
Warnings
Do not use for longer than 1 week unless directed by a doctor; Stop use and ask a doctor if rectal bleeding occurs; Ask a doctor before use for a sudden change in bowel habits lasting over 2 weeks
Read the source label ↗

Label date: 20260807 · For learning, not clinical decisions. US label and brand information; always consult the current source.

Source snapshot checked: 2026-10-21. The source document and selected fields were compared. The complete card has not had an independent clinical review.

Pronunciation

Senna (Sennosides): SEN-a

Pronunciation is shown for the US English generic name.

Body system

GI · 22 Drug cards

Compare with related cards

Bisacodyl

Same class on both cards

Mechanism: Intestinal brush-border enzymes and colonic bacteria convert bisacodyl to the active metabolite BHPM, which acts directly on the colonic mucosa to produce peristalsis.

On both cards: Used for — Occasional constipation · Warnings — Stop use and ask a doctor if rectal bleeding occurs

Only on the Bisacodyl card: Warnings — Do not chew or crush the tablets; Stop use and ask a doctor if a laxative is needed for more than 1 week

An item counts as shared only when both cards use the same wording. If a card does not list an item, that is not a statement that the effect never occurs.