A 38-year-old member asked:
Senokot (senna) side effects, how long do they last for?
1 doctor answer • 4 doctors weighed in
Dr. Charles Cattanoanswered
Gastroenterology 41 years experience
Beware side effects: "Irritant" purgatives cause: melanosis coli (reversible pigmenting of colon lining) which is often seen with chronic senna use, cathartic colon ("floppy" colon with limited muscle tone), & soap or chemical colitis (acute inflammation within hours of "cleansing" enema). See my earlier healthtap answers regarding the longterm systemic consequences of chronic laxative use / overuse.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Similar questions
A 36-year-old member asked:
Any bad senna side effects?
1 doctor answer • 3 doctors weighed in
Dr. Charles Cattanoanswered
Gastroenterology 41 years experience
Chronic laxative use: "irritant" purgatives cause: melanosis coli (reversible pigmenting of colon lining) which is often seen with chronic senna use, cathartic colon ("floppy" colon with limited muscle tone), & soap or chemical colitis (acute inflammation within hours of "cleansing" enema). See my earlier healthtap answers regarding the longterm systemic consequences of chronic laxative use / overuse.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Heidi Fowler commented
Psychiatry 27 years experience
agree. And chronic senna use can cause liver problems.
Mar 29, 2014
Last updated Jun 11, 2015
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