Senokot granules
| Clinical data | |
|---|---|
| Trade names | Senokot Granules |
| Routes of administration | Oral |
| Identifiers | |
| E number | {{#property:P628}} |
| ECHA InfoCard | {{#property:P2566}} |
Senokot granules were a granular oral formulation of standardized sennosides (senna glycosides) marketed under the Senokot brand for the short-term relief of constipation. As a stimulant laxative, senna increases intestinal motility and generally produces a bowel movement within 6–12 hours.[note 1] The granules were typically cocoa-flavoured and could be taken plain, mixed with liquids, or sprinkled on food. Some guidance for granule use notes that they "may be eaten plain, mixed with liquids such as milk, or sprinkled on foods," and that they are often taken at bedtime.[note 2]
Although tablets and syrups containing senna remain widely available under the Senokot brand, the specific Senokot granules product has been discontinued in several markets.
History
Senokot granules were widely used in the mid-20th century and appear in period medical literature and collections. A 1963 clinical study in the Canadian Medical Association Journal explicitly used "Senokot Granules" in nursing mothers and found no adverse effects on infant bowel habits.[1] The Science Museum Group catalogues a "Tin of Senokot granules (senna fruit)" produced by Westminster Laboratories, dated 1950–1980.[2]
Medical uses
Like other stimulant laxatives, senna (the active ingredient in Senokot granules) is indicated for the short-term treatment of occasional constipation.[3] The effect typically occurs 6–12 hours after an oral dose, so products are commonly taken at bedtime.[4] Guidance for children’s use of senna also mentions an oral granules presentation (containing sugar) among available forms.[5]
Formulation and administration
Senokot granules contained standardized senna concentrate (sennosides). Historic usage instructions indicated the granules could be taken plain, mixed with liquids, or sprinkled over foods, and were preferably taken at bedtime.[6] Independent consumer listings for the discontinued product describe a cocoa-flavoured granule with per-teaspoon sennoside content and age-stratified dosing schedules.[7]
Safety
Adverse effects of senna may include abdominal cramping and, rarely, rectal bleeding (which warrants medical advice).[4] Patient-facing guidance recommends short-term use and adequate fluid intake while using senna.[3] In paediatrics, granules are one of several oral forms, and mixing with drinks/food is advised with adequate water afterwards.[5]
Regulatory and market status
In Canada, Health Canada’s Drug and Health Products Portal lists SENOKOT GRANULES (DIN 00026042; Purdue Pharma) with status "Cancelled Post Market" as of 13 July 2007.[8] DrugBank also records "Senokot Granules, Powder, 326 mg / 3 g, Oral" with Canadian marketing from 31 December 1956 to 13 July 2007.[9]
In the United States, the FDA withdrew approval of NDA 009939 for "Senokot Granules (sennosides), 15 mg" on 4 October 2016, as listed in a comprehensive withdrawal notice.[10]
While the granule formulation has been discontinued in multiple jurisdictions, other Senokot products (for example, regular-strength and extra-strength senna tablets, and combination docusate/senna "Senokot-S" tablets) remain available and typically provide overnight relief within 6–12 hours when taken at bedtime.[4][11]
See also
Notes
References
- ↑ Baldwin WF (14 September 1963). "Clinical Study of Senna Administration to Nursing Mothers: Assessment of Effects on Infant Bowel Habits". Can Med Assoc J. 89 (11): 566–568. PMC 1921820. PMID 14045350.
- ↑ "Tin of Senokot granules (senna fruit)". Science Museum Group Collection. Science Museum Group. 1950–1980. Retrieved 5 October 2025.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 "Senna: MedlinePlus Drug Information". MedlinePlus. U.S. National Library of Medicine. 20 June 2024. Retrieved 5 October 2025.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 "DailyMed - SENOKOT- standardized senna concentrate tablet, film coated". DailyMed. U.S. National Library of Medicine. 20 August 2025. Retrieved 5 October 2025.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 "Senna for constipation" (PDF). Medicines for Children. Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health; Neonatal and Paediatric Pharmacists Group; WellChild. June 2017. Retrieved 5 October 2025.
- ↑ "Laxatives". GlobalRPH. 1 September 2017. Retrieved 5 October 2025.
- ↑ "Senokot Natural Vegetable Laxative, Granules - 12oz". MedshopExpress. Retrieved 5 October 2025.
- ↑ "Details for: SENOKOT GRANULES". Drug and Health Products Portal. Health Canada. 13 July 2007. Retrieved 5 October 2025.
- ↑ "Senna leaf: Uses, Interactions, Mechanism of Action". DrugBank Online. DrugBank. 6 March 2025. Retrieved 5 October 2025.
- ↑ "Hospira, Inc. et al.; Withdrawal of Approval of 44 New Drug Applications and 158 Abbreviated New Drug Applications". Federal Register. Food and Drug Administration. 4 October 2016. Retrieved 5 October 2025.
- ↑ "Senokot® Regular Strength Laxative". Senokot. Atlantis Consumer Healthcare, Inc. Retrieved 5 October 2025.
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