Who can take senna
Most adults aged 18 years and over can take senna.
Young people aged 12 to 17 years can take senna if a doctor or pharmacist says it's OK.
Children aged 11 years and under can take senna if a doctor prescribes it.
Important
Only give senna to a child if a doctor or pharmacist recommends it.
Who may not be able to take senna
Senna may not be suitable for some people. To make sure it's safe for you, tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting to take senna if you:
- have ever had an allergic reaction to senna or any other medicine
- have signs of dehydration – these include peeing less than usual or having dark, strong-smelling pee
- have severe stomach pain and you are feeling or being sick (nausea or vomiting)
- have a blockage in your bowel (intestinal obstruction)
- have Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis
- have a serious problem in your stomach (abdomen) such as appendicitis
- have kidney or heart problems
- are trying to get pregnant, already pregnant or breastfeeding