senna (redirected from golden shower)

senna /sen·na/ (sen´ah) the dried leaflets of Cassia acutifolia or C. angustifolia; used chiefly as a cathartic.

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sen·na (sn)

n.

A plant of the genus Cassia, used as a laxative.

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senna,

an herbal product taken from several Cassia species found across the world.

use It is used as a laxative.

contraindications It should not be used during pregnancy and lactation, in children less than 12 years of age (unless prescribed by physician), or in those with known hypersensitivity to this product. Senna is also prohibited in those with intestinal obstruction, ulcerative colitis, GI bleeding, appendicitis, acute surgical abdomen, nausea, vomiting, or congestive heart failure.

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senna (seˑ·n),

n Latin name:
Senna alexandrina, Cassia spp.; part used: leaves; uses: presurgery laxative, acute constipation; precautions: pregnancy, lactation, children, intestinal obstruction, ulcerative colitis, nausea, vomiting, congestive heart failure; do not use longer than 7 to 14 days without consulting a doctor; cardiac glycosides, other laxatives. Also called
Alexandrian senna, black draught, Dr. Calwell dosalax, Fletcher's Castoria, Gentlax, Khartoum senna, or
tinnevelly senna.

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Senna

plant genus in the legume family Caesalpiniaceae; contain anthraquinone glycosides which cause diarrhea; an unidentified toxin causes muscle necrosis. Includes S. floribunda, S. obtusifolia, S. occidentale, S. roemeriana. All also called Cassia spp., e.g. C. floribunda.

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senna

the dried leaflets of Cassia acutiflora; used in a syrup, fluid extract or compound powder as a cathartic.

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senna bean

see cassiaoccidentalis.

coffee senna

see cassiaoccidentalis.

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senna, sennosides

Argoral (CA), Black Draught, Ex-Lax Gentle, Fletcher's, Maximum Relief Ex-Lax, Senexon, Senna-Gen, Sennatural, Senokot, Senokot Granules, SenokotXTRA, Senolax, Sure-Lax (UK), Uni-Senna, X-Prep Liquid (CA)

Pharmacologic class: Anthraquinone laxative

Therapeutic class: Laxative (stimulant)

Pregnancy risk category C

Action

Causes local irritation in colon, which promotes peristalsis and bowel evacuation. Softens feces by increasing water and electrolytes in large intestine.

Availability

Granules: 15 mg/tsp

Liquid: 8.8 mg/5 ml, 25 mg/5 ml, 33.3 mg/ml (concentrate)

Tablets: 8.6 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg, 17 mg, 25 mg

Tablets (chewable): 15 mg

⊘Indications and dosages

➣ Acute constipation; preparation for bowel examination

Adults and children ages 12 and older: For acute constipation, 12 to 50 mg P.O. daily or b.i.d. For bowel preparation, 105 to 157.5 mg (concentrate) 12 to 14 hours before scheduled procedure.

Children ages 6 to 11: 50% of adult dosage

Children ages 2 to 5: 33% of adult dosage

Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity to drug or its components
• GI bleeding or obstruction
• Suspected appendicitis or undiagnosed abdominal pain
• Acute surgical abdomen
• Fecal impaction
• Inflammatory bowel disease (such as Crohn's disease)

Precautions

Use cautiously in:
• pregnant or breastfeeding patients
• children.

Administration

• Give with a full glass of cold water.
• To prepare patient for bowel examination, give 12 to 14 hours before procedure, followed by a clear liquid diet.

Route	Onset	Peak	Duration
P.O.	6-24 hr	Variable	Variable

Adverse reactions

GI: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nutrient malabsorption, yellow or yellowish-green feces, loss of normal bowel function (with excessive use), dark pigmentation of rectal mucosa (with long-term use), protein-losing enteropathy

GU: reddish-pink discoloration of alkaline urine, yellowish-brown discoloration of acidic urine

Metabolic: electrolyte imbalances (such as hypokalemia)

Other: laxative dependence (with long-term or excessive use)

Interactions

Drug-diagnostic tests. Calcium, potassium: decreased levels

Patient monitoring

• Assess bowel movements to determine laxative efficacy.
• In long-term use, monitor fluid balance, nutritional status, and electrolyte levels and watch for laxative dependence.

Patient teaching

• Tell patient using drug for constipation to take at bedtime with a glass of water.
• In long-term use, advise patient to watch for and report signs and symptoms of nutritional deficiencies and fluid and electrolyte imbalance.
• If patient will undergo bowel examination, advise him to take drug 12 to 14 hours before procedure, followed by a clear liquid diet.
• As appropriate, review all other significant adverse reactions and interactions, especially those related to the tests mentioned above.