Care Natural Senna Strong Laxatives Tablets - 100 (brand may vary)

Are Senna Laxative Tablets Right for You?

Constipation is something most people experience at some point — and it can be genuinely uncomfortable. Whether it's brought on by a change in diet, reduced activity, travel, or medication, that sluggish, bloated feeling is hard to ignore. Senna laxative tablets have been used for centuries as a plant-derived remedy for occasional constipation, and they remain one of the most widely recommended over-the-counter options in the UK today. Care Natural Senna Strong Laxative Tablets come in a generous 100-tablet pack, making them a practical and affordable choice at just £4.99. If you're also managing related digestive discomfort, you might find our IBS and cramps range useful alongside this product.

Each tablet contains sennosides derived from the senna plant (Cassia senna), a well-established stimulant laxative. The NHS recognises senna as a first-line option for short-term constipation relief in adults and children over 12. It works gently but effectively, typically producing results within 8 to 12 hours — which is why most people take it at bedtime.

How Do Senna Tablets Work to Relieve Constipation?

Senna belongs to a class of medicines called stimulant laxatives. Unlike bulk-forming laxatives that add fibre, or osmotic laxatives that draw water into the bowel, senna works directly on the gut wall. Here's what happens after you swallow a tablet:

• Sennosides pass through the small intestine largely unabsorbed.
• Gut bacteria in the large intestine convert sennosides into active compounds called rhein anthrones.
• These compounds stimulate the smooth muscle of the colon, increasing peristalsis (the wave-like contractions that move stool along).
• They also reduce water reabsorption from the colon, softening the stool and making it easier to pass.

The result is a bowel movement that typically occurs 8–12 hours after taking the dose. It's a well-understood mechanism, backed by decades of clinical use and recognised by the NHS as appropriate for short-term constipation management.

Who Is Suitable for Senna Laxative Tablets?

These tablets are designed for adults and young people aged 12 and over who are experiencing occasional constipation. They're particularly useful when dietary changes and increased fluid intake haven't been enough on their own. That said, they're not appropriate for everyone.

Senna tablets may be suitable if you:

• Are an adult or young person aged 12 or over
• Have occasional, short-term constipation (not chronic)
• Need a reliable overnight laxative option
• Prefer a plant-derived, stimulant laxative over synthetic alternatives

They are not suitable for children under 12, or for people with intestinal obstruction, severe abdominal pain of unknown cause, or inflammatory bowel conditions such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, without first speaking to a doctor.

How Do Senna Tablets Compare to Other Laxatives?

How Should You Store Senna Tablets and Are They Safe Long Term?

Store your senna laxative tablets below 25°C in a dry place, away from direct sunlight and out of reach of children. Do not use after the expiry date printed on the pack. The 100-tablet pack size means you'll have plenty on hand for occasional use, but it's worth remembering that these tablets are intended for short-term relief only — no more than 7 consecutive days. If constipation persists beyond that, it's important to speak to your GP, as it may indicate an underlying condition that needs investigation. For related digestive concerns, our constipation collection includes a range of complementary products.

This product is a medicine. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist before using if you have an underlying medical condition or are taking other medicines.

What Is Care Natural Senna Strong Laxative and What Is It Used For?

Care Natural Senna Strong Laxative Tablets are an over-the-counter stimulant laxative used for the short-term relief of occasional constipation. The active ingredient is sennosides, naturally derived from the leaves of the senna plant. Constipation is defined by the NHS as passing fewer than three stools per week, or stools that are hard, dry, and difficult to pass. These tablets help by stimulating the muscles of the large intestine to move stool along more efficiently. They are classified as a General Sale List (GSL) medicine in the UK, meaning they can be purchased without a prescription.

What Do You Need to Know Before Using Senna Tablets?

Before taking these tablets, it's important to check whether they are appropriate for you. Do not take senna tablets if any of the following apply:

• You are under 12 years of age
• You have a known or suspected intestinal obstruction or ileus
• You have severe abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting of unknown cause
• You have inflammatory bowel disease (e.g. Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis)
• You are pregnant or breastfeeding (seek medical advice first)
• You have a known allergy to senna or any ingredient in the tablet
• You have appendicitis or undiagnosed rectal bleeding

Senna may interact with certain medicines. Known interactions include:

• Digoxin — prolonged use of senna can lower potassium levels, increasing the risk of digoxin toxicity
• Diuretics — combined use may worsen electrolyte imbalance
• Other laxatives — concurrent use increases the risk of diarrhoea and dehydration
• Antiarrhythmic medicines — electrolyte disturbances caused by senna may affect their efficacy

Always tell your pharmacist about all medicines you are currently taking before starting senna tablets.

How Should You Use Senna Tablets Correctly?

Follow these steps when taking your senna tablets:

1. Read the patient information leaflet inside the pack before use.
2. Take the tablets at bedtime with a full glass of water (at least 200ml).
3. Swallow the tablets whole — do not crush or chew them.
4. Do not take more than the recommended dose.
5. Continue to drink plenty of fluids throughout the day (at least 6–8 glasses).
6. Do not use for more than 7 consecutive days without speaking to a pharmacist or GP.

If you're also experiencing symptoms such as bloating or cramping alongside constipation, it may be worth exploring our haemorrhoids and piles range, as straining during constipation can sometimes aggravate this condition.

What Are the Possible Side Effects of Senna Tablets?

Like all medicines, senna tablets can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them. Most side effects are mild and related to the laxative action of the medicine.

Common side effects (may affect up to 1 in 10 people):

• Abdominal cramps or pain
• Loose stools or diarrhoea
• Bloating or flatulence
• Discomfort in the lower abdomen

Less common side effects (may affect up to 1 in 100 people):

• Nausea
• Discolouration of urine (harmless — may appear yellow-brown or reddish)
• Electrolyte imbalance with prolonged use (e.g. low potassium)
• Skin reactions such as rash or itching (rare)

If you experience severe abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, or symptoms of dehydration (such as dizziness or extreme thirst), stop taking the tablets and seek medical advice promptly. Long-term or excessive use of stimulant laxatives can lead to laxative dependence and reduced bowel function — this is why the 7-day limit is important.

How Should You Store Senna Tablets Safely?

Proper storage helps maintain the quality and safety of your tablets. Follow these guidelines:

• Store below 25°C in a cool, dry place
• Keep away from direct sunlight and moisture
• Keep out of the sight and reach of children
• Do not store in the bathroom or near a sink
• Do not use after the expiry date printed on the packaging
• Do not transfer tablets to a different container — keep in original packaging
• Return unused or expired tablets to your local pharmacy for safe disposal

If you're managing multiple health conditions and need a range of OTC products, our vitamins and supplements collection may also be of interest for supporting overall digestive and gut health.