Patient was educated on how to take Senokot as follows:
- Take Senokot pill with a full 8 oz. of water. You can add one oz. of fruit juice to the water, as this will help contain the unpleasant nauseating sensation of the laxative.
- Take it at the same time every day, to avoid forgetting the medication.
- Maintain strict compliance with intake of Senokot as ordered, with regards to dosage and frequency, to derive the benefit of the medication.
- Do not overdose on Senokot to increase the ease of having a bowel movement.
- Do not change the dose on Senokot without consulting your doctor.
- Space the Senokot out with other prescription medications, especially antacids and blood thinners, as Senokot reduces the absorption of prescription medications.
- Watch out for any signs and symptoms of worsening of constipation, any intense acute abdominal pain, and any rectal bleed to report to your doctor immediately, so that, a change in plan could be considered.
- Senokot takes about 6 to 8 hours to bring on a bowel movement. So, it is best taken at bedtime for optimal functioning.
- If you miss a dose, try taking it at the earliest notice of noncompliance. If it is time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take the dose scheduled. Do not take an extra dose to try making up for the missed dose.
