Senna
Senna is a stimulant laxative that is commonly used to treat constipation. It works by causing the bowel to contract more frequently and therefore the bowels open more frequently. Senna is often used alongside a stool softener such as movicol. Because senna causes the bowels to contract more frequently this drug can sometimes cause abdominal cramps.
Senna is usually given once daily but the exact dose depends on the age of the child and will be determined by your GP or paediatrician.
Side effects
Abdominal cramps are sometimes experienced although generally this product is well tolerated.
A full description of senna is given in the summary of product characteristics.
