Ex-Lax Senna

Relief of occasional constipation

The following doses are normally taken at bedtime

Adults: 1 tablet

Children 6 and over: ½ tablet

Not recommended for children under 6.

There is no indication that the dosage should be modified for the elderly.

Route: Oral route of administration

Ex-Lax Senna should not be used when intestinal obstruction, bleeding or persistent abdominal symptoms are present.

Not recommended in cases of ileostomy or colostomy.

Prolonged use is not recommended. Ex-Lax Senna should not be used for more than 7 days without seeking medical advice.

Label/leaflet precaution:

Ex-Lax Senna should be used with caution shortly after bowel surgery.

During use of Ex-Lax Senna, an adequate level of fluid intake should be maintained

None stated.

No known adverse effects during pregnancy.

Clinical studies have shown that the breast fed infants mothers taking a senna laxative did not show any side effects to the drug

None known.

Temporary mild griping may occur.

Overdosage may result in diarrhoea with excessive loss of water and electrolytes, particularly potassium. Treatment should include an increase in fluid intake to reverse the loss of fluid and electrolytes.Prolong, excessive use of laxatives without interruption should be avoided because of the risk of electrolyte imbalance and in extreme cases the possibility of irreversible adverse effects on the bowel.

Senna is an anthraquinone laxative which is used to treat constipation and for bowel evacuation before radiological procedures. The active anthraquinones are liberated into the colon from the glycosides by colonic bacteria and an effect usually occurs 6 to 12 hours after administration.

There is some absorption of the anthraquinones from senna preparations following hydrolysis by colonic bacteria. Excretion occurs in the urine and the faeces and also in other secretions including milk.

(Although anthraquinone derivatives may be excreted in the milk of lactating mothers, following normal dosage the concentration is usually insufficient to affect the nursing infant)

Not applicable.

Confectionery chocolate comprising:

Cocoa liquor

Sucrose

Cocoa butter

Lecithin

Vanilin

None known

60 months

Do not store above 25° C

Bars of 6, 9 and 12 tablets wrapped in paper backed aluminium foil, or aluminium foil, and packed into cartons.

Pack sizes: 6, 9, 12, 18, 24, 36 or 48 tablets.

Not applicable