Drug Notes

Laxative, stimulant combination (By mouth)

Treats constipation by helping you have a bowel movement.

Brand Name(s):

Doc-Q-Lax, Dok Plus, Good Neighbor Pharmacy Stool Softener & Laxative, Good Sense Stimulant Laxative Plus, Laxacin, Medi-Laxx, Peri-Colace, Rite Aid Laxative and Stool Softener, Rite Aid P Col-Rite, Senexon-S, Senna-S, Senna-Time S, SennaLax-S, SennaPrompt, Senokot S

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet, Liquid Filled Capsule, Liquid, Granule, Capsule, Powder for Suspension

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
• If you have had a sudden change in your bowel movements in the past two weeks, ask your doctor before using this medicine.
• Follow the instructions on the medicine label if you are using this medicine without a prescription.
• Drink a full glass of water when you take this medicine. One full glass of water is about 8 ounces or 1 cup. Drinking 6 to 8 full glasses of water every day will help keep your bowel movements soft.
• You might need to mix the granules or powder with water before you take each dose. Drink this mixture right away. Do not swallow the granules or powder dry unless the directions say you can.
• Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.
• Use this medicine at bedtime, unless your doctor tells you otherwise.

If a dose is missed:

• Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using mineral oil.
• Some laxatives need to be taken 2 hours before or 2 hours after other medicines. If you need to take any other medicine, ask your health caregiver if you need to follow a special schedule.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breast feeding.
• Do not use this medicine if you have stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting, unless your health caregiver tells you to use it.
• If you do not have a bowel movement after using this medicine, talk to your doctor. Most people will have a bowel movement within 6 to 12 hours after using this laxative.
• You should not use this laxative for more than 1 week unless your doctor says it is okay. Laxatives may be habit-forming and can harm your bowels if you use them too long.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Bleeding from your rectum.
• Skin rash.
• Urine turns a different color.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Diarrhea, cramps, nausea, burping.

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 1/27/2017