SENOKOT^® Laxative Tablets

Reduce dose or discontinue use if you experience abdominal pain, griping (cramps or spasms) and/or diarrhea. Do not use in the presence of fecal impaction (a large lump of dry, hard stool that develops in the rectum) and undiagnosed, acute or persistent gastrointestinal complaints (e.g., abdominal pain, nausea, fever or vomiting) as these symptoms can be signs of a potential or existing intestinal blockage or ileus. Consult a healthcare practitioner if symptoms persist or worsen.

Laxatives should not be taken within two hours of another medicine because the desired effect of the other medicine may be reduced. If rectal bleeding or failure to have a bowel movement after use occurs, discontinue therapy and consult a physician, as this may indicate a serious condition. If there has been a sudden change in your bowel movements that persists over a 2-week period, consult a physician before use. Consult a physician prior to use if you are taking thiazide diuretics (drugs used to treat high blood pressure), corticosteroids, licorice root or other medications or health products which may aggravate electrolyte imbalance. Consult a physician prior to use if you have a kidney disorder or are taking cardiac medications such as cardiac glycosides or antiarrhythmic medications. Long-term use of stimulant laxatives should be avoided as it may lead to impaired function of the intestine, dependence on laxatives, dehydration and electrolyte imbalance (including hypokalemia). Concomitant therapy with other drugs or herbal substances known to induce hypokalemia (e.g., diuretics, adrenocorticosteroids and licorice root) may enhance the electrolyte imbalance. Prolonged excessive use or misuse of these products may also result in the development of atonic colon.

Fertility, Pregnancy and Lactation: Consult a physician before use. There are no reports of undesirable or damaging effects during pregnancy or on the fetus associated with senna preparations when used in accordance with the recommended dosage schedule. However, as a consequence of experimental data concerning a genotoxic risk of several anthranoids (e.g. emodin and aloe-emodin), use is not recommended during pregnancy. Small amounts of active metabolites (rhein) are excreted in breast milk. A laxative effect in breast fed babies has not been reported. However, use during breast-feeding is not recommended as there is insufficient data on the excretion of metabolites in breast milk. Drug Interactions: There are no known drug interactions with sennosides.

Symptoms and treatment of overdosage: The major symptoms of overdose or abuse of any stimulant laxative, including those containing senna, are griping pain and severe diarrhea, leading to excessive water loss (dehydration) and possible electrolyte imbalance (hypokalemia). Treatment should be supported with generous amounts of fluid. Electrolytes, especially potassium, should be monitored. This is especially important in the elderly. In case of overdose: Call a Regional Poison Control Centre and/or your physician and/or your local emergency number immediately, or go to your local hospital emergency, even if you do not notice any signs or symptoms. Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

ACTIVE INGREDIENTS: Each SENOKOT® tablet contains 8.6 mg standardized sennosides from natural senna.

NON-MEDICINAL INGREDIENTS: Corn starch, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose.

Store at 15-25°C.

SENOKOT® Tablets can be found at your local pharmacy and in many popular and convenient stores across Canada. Samples may be available through your family physician.

Please read and follow the information on the label to be sure this product is suitable for you.