Patient was educated on how to take Senna as follows:
- Take Senna 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 Senna as ordered, with regards to dosage and frequency, to derive the benefit of the medication.
- Do not overdose on Senna to increase the ease of having a bowel movement.
- Do not change the dose on Senna without consulting your doctor.
- Space the Senna out with other prescription medications, especially antacids and blood thinners, as Senna 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.
- Senna 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.
