Patient was educated on precautions to be exercised while taking Senna as follows: Notify your doctor, if your constipation does not get any better or if it gets worse, while continuing to use Senna. Do not increase the dose of Senna intake, to derive the desired effect of having a bowel movement, without consulting your doctor. If you miss a dose, try taking it at the earliest notice of noncompliance. If it is time for [...]
Patient was educated on precautions to be exercised while taking Senna as follows: Discontinue using Senna, if you experience any undiagnosed abdominal pain or rectal bleed and report to your physician immediately. Since Senna decreases the transit time for the stool through the intestines and retain more water in stool, individuals can be at risk for dehydration. Caution must be exercised with regards to rehydration. A deliberate effort for rehydration should be made, as senior [...]
Patient was educated on contraindications for using Senna as follows: Intestinal blockage or strictures Senna for the most part is contraindicated in individuals with history of intestinal strictures and blockage. Increased intestinal contractions in such individuals can increase the risk for perforation of the intestines with shock and hemorrhage. Undiagnosed abdominal pain Senna usually is contraindicated in individuals with undiagnosed abdominal pain and cramping, as these complaints can deteriorate further with laxative use. Rectal bleed [...]
Patient was educated on the side effects of using Senna as follows: Loss of urge Prolonged use of Senna may result in one losing the natural urge of having a bowel movement. Chronic use of Senna can lead to nerve damage in the colon and the colon becomes lax. The intestines might lose their natural function of elimination and become increasingly dependent on the use of laxative, to cause the effect of elimination. Melanosis coli [...]
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 [...]