Senokot Senna - 60 Tablets

Are Senna Tablets for Constipation 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, or simply not drinking enough water, that sluggish, bloated feeling is hard to ignore. Senna tablets for constipation have been used for decades as a reliable, plant-derived option to get things moving again. Senokot Senna 60 Tablets contain senna, a naturally occurring stimulant laxative derived from the Senna alexandrina plant, and are available over the counter without a prescription. You can browse our full range of constipation treatments if you'd like to compare your options before deciding.

Each pack contains 60 tablets, making it a practical choice if you need a short course of treatment or want to keep something in the medicine cabinet for occasional use. At £5.99, it offers straightforward value for a well-established laxative that has been trusted by patients and recommended by pharmacists across the UK for many years.

How Do Senokot Senna Tablets Work?

Senna works as a stimulant laxative. The active compounds — called sennosides — are not absorbed in the small intestine. Instead, they travel to the large bowel, where gut bacteria convert them into active metabolites. These metabolites then act directly on the lining of the colon.

• Sennosides stimulate the nerve plexus in the bowel wall, increasing peristaltic contractions (the wave-like muscle movements that push contents along).
• They also reduce the absorption of water and electrolytes from the colon, softening the stool.
• The combined effect typically produces a bowel movement within 8 to 12 hours of taking the dose.
• Because of this timing, most people take Senokot at bedtime and find relief the following morning.

This mechanism is well understood and has been studied extensively. The NHS notes that stimulant laxatives like senna are effective for short-term relief of constipation when dietary and lifestyle measures haven't been sufficient.

Who Should Use Senokot Senna Tablets?

Senokot Senna tablets are suitable for adults and children aged 12 and over who are experiencing occasional constipation. They're particularly useful when you need reliable, overnight relief rather than a slower-acting option. That said, they're not appropriate for everyone — and it's worth knowing who should avoid them before you start.

Senokot Senna tablets may be suitable if you:

• Are an adult or young person aged 12 or over with occasional constipation
• Have not found adequate relief from dietary changes or increased fluid intake
• Need a short-term laxative solution (up to 7 days)
• Prefer a plant-derived, well-established laxative option

They are not suitable for children under 12, people with intestinal obstruction, inflammatory bowel conditions such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, or anyone with unexplained abdominal pain. If you're also dealing with symptoms like bloating, cramping, or irregular bowel habits that might suggest something more complex, it's worth exploring our IBS and cramps range for additional support.

How Does Senokot Senna Compare to Other Laxatives?

How Should You Store Senokot Senna Tablets?

Store Senokot Senna 60 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 unchanged, their efficacy may be reduced.

If you're managing constipation alongside other digestive concerns, it's worth noting that senna tablets for constipation are intended for short-term use only. Prolonged use without medical supervision can lead to dependence on laxatives for normal bowel function, electrolyte imbalances, and other complications. Always read the patient information leaflet supplied with the product.

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 Senokot Senna and What Is It Used For?

Senokot Senna 60 Tablets are an over-the-counter stimulant laxative used to relieve occasional constipation in adults and young people aged 12 and over. The active ingredient is senna, a plant-derived compound that has been used medicinally for centuries. Each tablet contains 7.5 mg of sennosides, which stimulate the bowel to produce a natural movement, typically within 8 to 12 hours. The NHS describes stimulant laxatives as appropriate for short-term use when other measures — such as increasing dietary fibre and fluid intake — have not provided adequate relief.

What Do You Need to Know Before Using Senokot Senna?

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

• You are under 12 years of age
• You have a known or suspected bowel 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 allergic to senna or any other ingredient in the tablet
• You have appendicitis or have recently had abdominal surgery

Speak to your doctor or pharmacist before use if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, elderly, or have a history of kidney or liver problems. Prolonged or excessive use of stimulant laxatives can cause electrolyte imbalances, particularly low potassium (hypokalaemia), which may be clinically significant if you are taking certain heart or blood pressure medicines.

Known drug interactions to be aware of include:

• Digoxin — hypokalaemia caused by excessive laxative use may increase the risk of digoxin toxicity
• Diuretics — combined use may worsen electrolyte imbalances
• Other laxatives — concurrent use is generally not recommended without medical advice

How Should You Use Senokot Senna Tablets?

Always follow the instructions in the patient information leaflet. The standard recommended approach is as follows:

1. Take the tablets orally with a full glass of water.
2. Swallow the tablets whole — do not crush or chew them.
3. Take your dose at bedtime for a bowel movement the following morning.
4. Start with the lowest effective dose and increase only if needed, up to the stated maximum.
5. Do not take for more than 7 consecutive days without speaking to a healthcare professional.

If you are also managing haemorrhoids alongside constipation, straining can worsen symptoms significantly. You may find it helpful to explore our haemorrhoids and piles range for complementary relief options.

What Are the Possible Side Effects of Senokot Senna?

Like all medicines, Senokot Senna tablets can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them. Knowing what to expect can help you manage them if they occur.

Common side effects:

• Abdominal cramps or discomfort
• Loose stools or diarrhoea (particularly if the dose is too high)
• Flatulence (wind)
• Nausea

Less common side effects:

• Discolouration of urine (may appear yellow-brown or reddish — this is harmless)
• Skin reactions such as rash or urticaria (rare)
• Electrolyte disturbances with prolonged use (e.g. low potassium)
• Laxative dependence with long-term misuse

Stop taking the tablets and seek medical advice if you experience severe abdominal pain, blood in your stools, or symptoms that suggest an allergic reaction such as swelling of the face or difficulty breathing.

How Should You Store Senokot Senna Tablets?

Correct 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 reach and sight of children
• Do not use after the expiry date printed on the carton or blister pack
• Do not store in the bathroom or near a sink — humidity can affect the tablets
• Dispose of unused medicines safely — return to your local pharmacy for disposal

If you're looking to support your overall digestive health alongside short-term laxative use, our vitamins and supplements range includes fibre supplements and probiotics that may help maintain regular bowel habits over time.