Dosing and uses of PeriColace, Senna Plus (senna/docusate)
Adult dosage forms and strengths
senna/docusate
tablet
- 8.6mg/50mg
Constipation
2-4 tablets PO qDay; may increase to 4 tab q12hr
Pediatric dosage forms and strengths
senna/docusate
tablet
- 8.6mg/50mg
Constipation
<2 years: Safety & efficacy not established
2-6 years: One-half tablet PO qDay; may increase to maximum 1 tab q12hr
6-12 years: One tablet PO qDay may increase as necessary; not to exceed 2 tabs q12hr
>12 years: As adults; 2-4 tablets PO qDay or q12hr
PeriColace, Senna Plus (senna/docusate) adverse (side) effects
Frequency not defined
Abdominal cramping
Diarrhea
Nausea/vomiting
Yellow-brown urine discoloration
Warnings
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity
GI obstruction or perforation
Ulcerative colitis
Symptoms of appendicitis or acute surgical abdomen
Fecal impaction
Concurrent use of mineral oiL
GI bleeding
Rectal bleeding
Cautions
Finger clubbing (long-term use)
Not for use as over the counter in patients experiencing abdominal pain, vomiting, nausea, sudden change in bowel movement that last > 2 weeks
Not recommended for use >1 week or children < 2 years
Pregnancy and lactation
Pregnancy category: N/A
Lactation: unknown if excreted in breast milk; not recommended
Pregnant or breastfeeding patients should seek advice of health professional before using OTC drugs
Pregnancy categories
A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.
B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk.
C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done.
D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk.
X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist.
NA: Information not available.
Pharmacology of PeriColace, Senna Plus (senna/docusate)
Mechanism of action
Senna: intestinal irritant/stimulant
Docusate: surfactant laxative/stool softener
