What Are Lactulose and Senna?
Lactulose and senna are two different types of laxatives that can be used to treat constipation. Lactulose is a synthetic sugar that is not absorbed by the body. It works by drawing water into the intestines, which helps to soften stools and make them easier to pass. Senna is a natural laxative that is made from the leaves of the senna plant. It works by stimulating the muscles in the intestines, which helps to move stools through the body.
Can You Take Lactulose and Senna Together?
Yes, you can take lactulose and senna together. In fact, this combination of laxatives can be more effective than either laxative used alone. Lactulose helps to soften stools, while senna helps to move stools through the body. This combination can help to relieve constipation quickly and effectively.
How to Take Lactulose and Senna Together
The usual dose of lactulose is 15 to 30 mL once or twice a day. The usual dose of senna is 5 to 10 mg once or twice a day. You can take lactulose and senna together by taking the lactulose first, followed by the senna. You should take these laxatives with a full glass of water.
Side Effects of Lactulose and Senna
Lactulose and senna can both cause side effects, such as:
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Gas
- Nausea
- Vomiting
These side effects are usually mild and go away after a few days. However, if you experience any severe side effects, you should stop taking these laxatives and talk to your doctor.
Precautions
You should not take lactulose and senna together if you have:
- Intestinal obstruction
- Severe abdominal pain
- Severe diarrhea
- A history of colon surgery
You should also talk to your doctor before taking lactulose and senna together if you are:
- Pregnant
- Breastfeeding
- Taking any other medications
Conclusion
Lactulose and senna can be taken together to relieve constipation. This combination of laxatives can be more effective than either laxative used alone. However, you should talk to your doctor before taking lactulose and senna together if you have any medical conditions or are taking any other medications.
Additional Information
- The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) estimates that constipation affects about 1 in 5 adults in the United States.
- Constipation is more common in women than in men.
- Constipation can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Diet
- Exercise
- Medications
- Medical conditions
- There are a variety of treatments for constipation, including:
- Laxatives
- Stool softeners
- Fiber supplements
- Dietary changes
- Exercise
Tables
Table 1: Comparison of Lactulose and Senna
| Feature | Lactulose | Senna |
|---|---|---|
| Type of laxative | Synthetic sugar | Natural stimulant |
| Mechanism of action | Draws water into the intestines | Stimulates the muscles in the intestines |
| Onset of action | 1-3 days | 6-12 hours |
| Duration of action | 1-3 days | 1-2 days |
| Side effects | Abdominal pain, diarrhea, gas, nausea, vomiting | Abdominal pain, diarrhea, gas, nausea, vomiting |
| Precautions | Intestinal obstruction, severe abdominal pain, severe diarrhea, history of colon surgery | Intestinal obstruction, severe abdominal pain, severe diarrhea, history of colon surgery |
Table 2: Dosing of Lactulose and Senna
| Laxative | Usual Dose |
|---|---|
| Lactulose | 15-30 mL once or twice a day |
| Senna | 5-10 mg once or twice a day |
Table 3: Side Effects of Lactulose and Senna
| Side Effect | Lactulose | Senna |
|---|---|---|
| Abdominal pain | Yes | Yes |
| Diarrhea | Yes | Yes |
| Gas | Yes | Yes |
| Nausea | Yes | Yes |
| Vomiting | Yes | Yes |
Table 4: Precautions for Lactulose and Senna
| Condition | Lactulose | Senna |
|---|---|---|
| Intestinal obstruction | No | No |
| Severe abdominal pain | No | No |
| Severe diarrhea | No | No |
| History of colon surgery | No | No |
| Pregnancy | Talk to your doctor | Talk to your doctor |
| Breastfeeding | Talk to your doctor | Talk to your doctor |
| Other medications | Talk to your doctor | Talk to your doctor |
