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What Are The Adverse Effects Of Prolonged Use Of Senokot?

Posted on Tue, 17 Nov 2015

Question: when senokot is used for years as in my case, and potassium is prescribed to offset the lowering of it what is the damage? I have used it since a child, am 85 years old now with a physician who is urging/ordering me to stop taking it......I am having a really tough time......physician claims it was instrumental in the dropping of my blood pressure while other doctors havetold me they have no problem with my taking it....constipation has plagued me since I was a child and senokot has been the only relief I have ever had. Please consider this as urgent. Thank you. XXXX

Answered by Dr. Dr. Klerida Shehu (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Following advice...

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you for asking!
I read your query and understood your concerns.

As a general rule the prolonged use of Senokot it's not recommended because it will lead to unwanted side effects. However since you are using Senokot for years now you may use it to relieve constipation.

Moreover, I would like to suggest the following lifestyle and dietary changes:
- eat small portion of foods reach in fibers (vegetables and foods)
- drink plenty of waters
- increase physical activity
- use olive oil 1-2 spoons 3 times per day
- use bisacodyl or bowel enemas in case of severe constipation

Hope this will be of help!
Wish you health!
Dr. Shehu

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar