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Care Senna Tablets Constipation Relief - 60 Tablets (BRAND MAY VARY)

Care Senna Tablets Constipation Relief - 60 Tablets (BRAND MAY VARY)

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  • ✔️ Relieves occasional constipation with gentle stimulant action
  • ✔️ Works within 8–12 hours for next-morning results
  • ✔️ Contains 7.5 mg sennosides per tablet for reliable effect
  • ✔️ 60-tablet pack provides extended short-term supply
  • ✔️ Suitable for adults and young people aged 12 and over

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Are Senna Tablets Constipation Relief Right for You?

 

Constipation is something most people experience at some point — and it can be genuinely uncomfortable. Whether it is infrequent bowel movements, straining, or that persistent feeling of not being quite empty, it disrupts daily life more than people often admit. Senna tablets constipation relief is one of the most widely used short-term solutions available over the counter in the UK, and Care Senna Tablets offer a straightforward, affordable option at just £3.19 for 60 tablets. If you are looking for a reliable stimulant laxative to get things moving again, this could be exactly what you need. You can browse the full range of constipation treatments in our constipation collection.

Each tablet contains sennosides derived from senna, a plant-based active ingredient with a long history of use in managing occasional constipation. The NHS recognises senna as a stimulant laxative suitable for short-term use in adults and children aged 12 and over. Care + is a trusted own-brand range stocked across UK pharmacies, and while the brand may vary, the active ingredient and strength remain consistent.

 

How Do Care Senna Tablets Work to Relieve Constipation?

 

Senna belongs to a class of medicines called stimulant laxatives. Here is how it works once 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 nerve plexus in the bowel wall, increasing peristalsis — the muscular contractions that move stool along.
  • The result is typically a bowel movement within 8 to 12 hours of taking the tablet.

Because of this timing, most people take senna at bedtime and find relief the following morning. It does not work instantly, so do not expect results within an hour or two. That said, it is one of the more predictable laxatives available without a prescription.

 

Who Is Care Senna Tablets Suitable For?

 

These tablets are designed for adults and young people aged 12 and over who are experiencing occasional, short-term constipation. They are not intended for long-term daily use. You might find them particularly useful if:

  • You have not had a bowel movement for three or more days.
  • Dietary changes and increased fluid intake have not helped.
  • You need reliable overnight relief before a medical procedure or appointment.
  • You are managing constipation related to a low-fibre diet or reduced physical activity.

They are not suitable for children under 12 without GP guidance, or for anyone with unexplained abdominal pain, bowel obstruction, or inflammatory bowel conditions such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis. If you also experience bloating, cramping, or irregular bowel habits that might suggest IBS, it is worth exploring our IBS and cramps collection for additional support options.

 

How Do Senna Tablets Compare to Other Laxative Types?

 

Feature Care Senna Tablets Osmotic Laxative (e.g. Lactulose)
Mechanism Stimulates bowel muscle contractions Draws water into the bowel to soften stool
Onset of action 8–12 hours 24–48 hours
Form Tablet (easy to swallow) Liquid syrup
Suitable for Adults and children 12+ Adults and children (dose-dependent)

 

How Should You Store Care Senna Tablets?

 

Store your tablets below 25°C in a dry place, away from direct sunlight. Keep them out of reach and sight of children at all times. Do not use the tablets after the expiry date printed on the packaging — even if they look and smell fine. Using senna tablets constipation relief beyond the expiry date is not recommended, as the potency of the active ingredient may have degraded.

If you are unsure whether these tablets are right for you — particularly if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking other medicines — always check with your pharmacist before starting treatment.

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.

Care Senna Tablets Constipation Relief - 60 Tablets specifications
Treatment category Constipation relief
Mechanism of action Stimulant laxative — stimulates large intestine peristalsis via sennoside conversion
Effective Within 8–12 hours
Suitable for Adults and children aged 12 and over
Active ingredient Sennosides (as senna extract) 7.5 mg per tablet
Pack sizes 60 tablets
Strengths 7.5 mg sennosides per tablet
UK classification General Sale List (GSL)
Drug class Stimulant laxative (anthraquinone)
Preparation Film-coated tablet
Route of administration Oral

Specifications of Care Senna Tablets Constipation Relief - 60 Tablets

 

What Are Care Senna Tablets and What Are They Used For?

 

Care Senna Tablets are an over-the-counter stimulant laxative used for the short-term relief of occasional constipation. The active ingredient, sennosides, is derived from the senna plant and has been used medicinally for centuries. Each tablet contains 7.5 mg of sennosides. The NHS describes stimulant laxatives as medicines that speed up bowel movements by stimulating the nerves that control the muscles lining the digestive tract. These tablets are intended for adults and young people aged 12 and over and should not be used continuously for more than 7 days without medical advice.

 

What Do You Need to Know Before Using Care Senna Tablets?

 

Before taking these tablets, it is important to check whether they are appropriate for you. Do not take Care Senna Tablets if any of the following apply:

  • You are under 12 years of age.
  • You have a bowel obstruction or ileus (paralysis of the bowel).
  • You have severe abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting of unknown cause.
  • You have been diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis).
  • You are allergic to senna or any other ingredient in the tablet.
  • You are pregnant — stimulant laxatives are generally not recommended during pregnancy without GP advice.

Speak to your pharmacist or GP before taking senna tablets if you are breastfeeding, as small amounts of sennosides may pass into breast milk. Also consult a healthcare professional if constipation has lasted longer than two weeks, as this may indicate an underlying condition requiring investigation.

Known drug interactions to be aware of include:

  • Senna may reduce the absorption of other oral medicines if taken at the same time — leave a gap of at least two hours where possible.
  • Prolonged use alongside diuretics or corticosteroids may increase the risk of electrolyte imbalance, particularly low potassium (hypokalaemia).
  • Cardiac glycosides (e.g. digoxin) — electrolyte disturbances caused by overuse of senna may affect how these medicines work.

 

How Should You Use Care Senna Tablets?

 

Always read the patient information leaflet supplied with your pack before taking these tablets. Follow the dosage instructions carefully and do not exceed the recommended dose.

  1. Take the tablets with a full glass of water (at least 150 ml).
  2. Swallow the tablets whole — do not crush or chew them.
  3. Take at bedtime for a bowel movement the following morning.
  4. Do not take more than the recommended dose in any 24-hour period.
  5. Do not use for more than 7 consecutive days without speaking to a doctor.
Age Group Dose Frequency Maximum Duration
Adults and children 12+ 2 tablets (15 mg sennosides) Once daily at bedtime 7 days
Children under 12 Not recommended without GP advice

If you are also managing digestive discomfort alongside constipation, you may find it helpful to explore our indigestion collection for complementary products.

 

What Are the Possible Side Effects of Care Senna Tablets?

 

Like all medicines, senna tablets can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them. Knowing what to look out for helps you use this medicine safely.

Common side effects:

  • Abdominal cramps or griping pains
  • Loose stools or diarrhoea
  • Nausea
  • Discomfort or bloating in the abdomen

Less common side effects:

  • Discolouration of urine (harmless, may appear yellow-brown or reddish)
  • Electrolyte imbalance with prolonged use (symptoms include muscle weakness, fatigue, or irregular heartbeat)
  • Skin reactions such as rash or itching (rare)
  • Melanosis coli — a harmless darkening of the bowel lining seen with long-term use, which reverses on stopping the medicine

Stop taking the tablets and seek medical advice if you experience severe abdominal pain, blood in your stools, or symptoms of dehydration such as dizziness or extreme thirst. If you are concerned about bowel symptoms more broadly, our haemorrhoids and piles collection may also be relevant if straining has caused additional discomfort.

 

How Should You Store Care Senna Tablets?

 

  • 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 use after the expiry date printed on the carton or blister pack.
  • Do not store in a bathroom cabinet — humidity can affect tablet integrity.
  • Dispose of unused or expired tablets via your local pharmacy's medicine return scheme — do not flush or bin them.

Written and reviewed by our qualified team

Your safety and success are our highest priorities. Our medical team rigorously evaluates every product and piece of advice we provide, ensuring you receive only the most effective, science-backed solutions available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I buy senna tablets for constipation online in the UK?

You can buy Care Senna Tablets Constipation Relief directly from Cured Pharmacy, a GPhC-registered online pharmacy. They are available without a prescription as a General Sale List medicine. At just £3.19 for 60 tablets, they represent one of the most cost-effective options for short-term constipation relief available online in the UK.

How do senna tablets work in the body?

Senna tablets contain sennosides, which travel through the small intestine largely unabsorbed. Once they reach the large intestine, gut bacteria convert them into active compounds that stimulate the bowel's nerve plexus, triggering muscle contractions that move stool along. This process typically produces a bowel movement within 8 to 12 hours of taking the tablet.

How do I take Care Senna Tablets step by step?

Follow these steps for correct use:

  1. Take 2 tablets at bedtime with a full glass of water.
  2. Swallow the tablets whole — do not crush or chew.
  3. Expect a bowel movement the following morning.
  4. Do not take more than 2 tablets in 24 hours.

Do not use for more than 7 consecutive days without speaking to a pharmacist or GP.

What is the best time of day to take senna tablets?

Bedtime is the recommended time to take senna tablets. Because they work within 8 to 12 hours, taking them before you sleep means you are likely to experience a bowel movement the next morning — which fits naturally into most people's daily routines. Avoid taking them in the morning if you need to be out of the house, as the timing can be unpredictable.

What are the side effects of Care Senna Tablets and how do I manage them?

The most common side effects are abdominal cramps and loose stools, which usually settle once the bowel has moved. Staying well hydrated helps reduce cramping. If you experience severe pain, blood in your stools, or signs of dehydration such as dizziness, stop taking the tablets and contact your pharmacist or GP promptly.

Who should not take senna tablets for constipation?

Senna tablets are not suitable for children under 12, people with bowel obstruction, or those with inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis. They should also be avoided by anyone with unexplained severe abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult a GP or pharmacist before use.

Can I take senna tablets if I am pregnant?

Stimulant laxatives including senna are generally not recommended during pregnancy without medical advice, as they may stimulate uterine contractions in addition to bowel contractions. The NHS advises that pregnant women experiencing constipation should first try increasing dietary fibre and fluid intake. If laxatives are needed, speak to your GP or midwife before taking senna.

How long can you take senna tablets for constipation?

Care Senna Tablets are intended for short-term use only — a maximum of 7 consecutive days. Using stimulant laxatives for longer than this without medical supervision can lead to dependence, electrolyte imbalance, and a reduction in the bowel's natural muscle tone. If constipation persists beyond a week, you should see your GP to rule out an underlying cause.

What are the alternatives to senna tablets for constipation?

There are several laxative types available depending on your needs. Bulk-forming laxatives such as ispaghula husk (Fybogel) work by increasing stool bulk and are often the first choice. Osmotic laxatives like macrogol or lactulose draw water into the bowel to soften stools. Stool softeners are another option. You can explore the full range in our constipation collection to find the right fit for you.

Can senna tablets interact with other medicines I am taking?

Yes, senna can interact with certain medicines. It may reduce the absorption of other oral medicines taken at the same time, so leave a gap of at least two hours where possible. Prolonged use alongside diuretics or corticosteroids may increase the risk of low potassium (hypokalaemia), which can affect how heart medicines such as digoxin work. Always tell your pharmacist about all medicines you are taking before starting senna.

What happens if I miss a dose of senna tablets?

If you forget to take your senna tablet at bedtime, simply take it the following night as normal. Do not double up on doses to make up for a missed one. Because senna is used on an as-needed basis for short-term constipation, missing a single dose is unlikely to cause any problems.

Are senna tablets suitable for elderly people?

Senna tablets can be used by older adults, but with some caution. Elderly people are more susceptible to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, so it is especially important not to exceed the recommended dose or use them for longer than 7 days. If an older person is taking multiple medicines, a pharmacist should be consulted before starting senna to check for interactions.

Will senna tablets cause me to become dependent on laxatives?

When used as directed for short periods of up to 7 days, senna tablets are unlikely to cause laxative dependence. However, long-term or excessive use of stimulant laxatives can reduce the bowel's natural ability to contract on its own — a condition sometimes called "lazy bowel." This is why it is important to use senna only as a short-term measure and to address the underlying causes of constipation, such as low fibre intake or dehydration.

What is the latest research on senna as a laxative?

Senna has been used as a laxative for centuries and remains one of the most studied stimulant laxatives. Current clinical guidance from the NHS and BNF continues to support its use for short-term constipation relief in adults and children over 12. Research also supports its use in palliative care settings to manage opioid-induced constipation, where it is often prescribed alongside stool softeners. No new safety concerns have emerged that would change its recommended use in otherwise healthy adults.

Can I take senna tablets alongside vitamins or supplements?

In most cases, senna tablets can be taken alongside vitamins and supplements, but it is worth leaving a gap of at least two hours to avoid any potential reduction in absorption. If you take iron supplements, for example, timing them separately from senna is sensible. For a wide range of digestive support supplements, you can browse our vitamins and supplements collection.

How Should You Use Care Senna Tablets?

Using Care Senna Tablets correctly gives you the best chance of effective, comfortable relief. Always read the patient information leaflet included in your pack before you start. Here is a step-by-step guide to taking them safely:

Do not take more than the recommended dose in any 24-hour period. If you have not had a bowel movement after 24 hours, do not take an additional dose without speaking to a pharmacist first.

What Is the Correct Dose of Care Senna Tablets?

The correct dose depends on your age. The table below summarises the recommended dosing for this product. Always follow the instructions on the pack and do not exceed the stated dose without medical advice.

If you are elderly or have a history of electrolyte disturbances, speak to your pharmacist before taking senna tablets, as lower doses or alternative laxatives may be more appropriate for you.

When Is the Best Time to Use Care Senna Tablets?

Bedtime is the ideal time to take Care Senna Tablets. Because the active ingredient takes 8 to 12 hours to produce a bowel movement, taking them before sleep means you are likely to experience relief the following morning — fitting naturally into your daily routine without disruption. Avoid taking them in the morning or early afternoon if you have commitments outside the home, as the timing of the effect can vary between individuals.

Drinking plenty of water throughout the day — not just at the time of taking the tablet — also helps the medicine work more effectively and reduces the likelihood of cramping.

How Long Can You Use Care Senna Tablets For?

Care Senna Tablets are designed for short-term use only. You should not take them for more than 7 consecutive days without consulting a GP or pharmacist. Using stimulant laxatives beyond this period without medical supervision can reduce the bowel's natural muscle tone over time and may mask an underlying condition that needs investigation.

If your constipation has not resolved after 7 days, or if it keeps returning, make an appointment with your GP. Persistent constipation can sometimes be a sign of a dietary issue, medication side effect, or an underlying health condition that requires proper assessment and treatment.

Do not exceed the recommended dose. If in doubt, speak to your pharmacist.

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What Are the Most Common Side Effects of Care Senna Tablets?

Most people tolerate senna tablets well when taken at the recommended dose for short periods. That said, because senna stimulates bowel muscle contractions, some digestive discomfort is not unusual — particularly if your bowel is sensitive. Common side effects include:

  • Abdominal cramps or griping pains
  • Loose stools or diarrhoea
  • Nausea
  • Bloating or flatulence

These effects are usually mild and short-lived, resolving once the bowel has emptied. Staying well hydrated can help reduce cramping. If diarrhoea is severe or prolonged, stop taking the tablets and speak to your pharmacist.

What Are the Less Common Side Effects of Care Senna Tablets?

Less frequently, some people may notice the following effects, particularly with prolonged or excessive use:

  • Discolouration of urine — it may appear yellow-brown or reddish, which is harmless and reversible on stopping the medicine
  • Electrolyte imbalance, particularly low potassium (hypokalaemia) — symptoms include muscle weakness, fatigue, or irregular heartbeat
  • Skin reactions such as rash, itching, or hives (rare)
  • Melanosis coli — a harmless darkening of the bowel lining seen with long-term use, which reverses after stopping senna

These effects are more likely if senna is used beyond the recommended 7-day period. They are not a reason to panic, but they are a reason to use this medicine only as directed.

What Are the Serious Side Effects of Care Senna Tablets?

Serious side effects from senna are rare when the medicine is used correctly. However, you should stop taking the tablets immediately and seek medical attention if you experience any of the following:

  • Blood in your stools or rectal bleeding
  • Severe or worsening abdominal pain
  • Signs of severe dehydration — extreme thirst, dizziness, confusion, or very dark urine
  • Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction — swelling of the face, lips, or throat, difficulty breathing, or a widespread rash

These symptoms may indicate a more serious underlying condition and require prompt medical assessment.

What Should You Do If You Experience Side Effects?

For mild side effects such as cramping or loose stools, reducing your fluid intake is not the answer — in fact, drinking more water often helps. If side effects are bothering you, stop taking the tablets and allow your bowel to settle. You can report suspected side effects of any medicine in the UK via the MHRA Yellow Card scheme at yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk. Your pharmacist is also a good first point of contact for advice on managing any unwanted effects.

Can Care Senna Tablets Interact With Other Medicines?

Yes. Senna may reduce the absorption of other oral medicines if taken simultaneously, so try to leave a gap of at least two hours between senna and other medicines. Long-term use alongside diuretics or corticosteroids increases the risk of hypokalaemia, which can in turn affect the efficacy and safety of cardiac glycosides such as digoxin. Always inform your pharmacist of all medicines, supplements, and herbal remedies you are taking before starting senna tablets.

If you are concerned about any side effects, contact your pharmacist or GP immediately.

Patient Information Leaflet

Important - Before taking any medication, it is always important to read the Patient Information Leaflet (PIL)

Written and reviewed by our qualified team

GPhC Number: 2233073
Tarun Kumar

Reviewed by:

Tarun Kumar

Superintendent/ Clinical Lead

📖 Find out more about our team of medical content authors and how we ensure the accuracy of our content with our content guidelines.

Content last updated: 31 Mar 2025

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