Senna
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Gastrointestinal Pharm
- H2 Blockers (Cimetidine, Ranitidine, Famotidine)
- Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs)
- Misoprostol
- Orlistat
- Antacids
- Bismuth & Sucralfate
- Octreotide
- Diphenoxylate vs. Loperamide
- Ondansetron
- Metoclopramide
- Bulk-forming Laxatives
- Senna
- Docusate
- Aprepitant
Summary
Senna is a laxative that works by irritating the bowel to stimulate bowel movement. As a laxative, it treats constipation but too much laxative can cause diarrhea. A benign but high-yield side effect is melanosis coli, which describes a black-brown discoloration of the colon.
Key Points
- Senna
- Mechanism
- Stimulant laxative
- Enteric nerve stimulation → colonic contraction
- Works by irritating sensory nerve endings, which stimulates colonic motility and reduces colonic absorption
- Stimulant laxative
- Clinical Use
- Laxative for constipation
- Adverse Effects
- Diarrhea
- Melanosis Coli
- Harmless black coloration of colon, that may be observed on colonoscopy
- Mechanism