Is Senna compatible with breastfeeding? Do we have alternatives for Senna?

Senna

March 11, 2015 (Very Low Risk)

Indian Senna, Senna or Tinnevelly Senna. Shrub. Leaves, fruits, and flowers are used.

It contains anthraquinones, naphtoquinones, flavonoids, mineral salts, polysaccharides (mucilage).

Unproved effect: Irritant of intestine. Not absorbed by GI tract, laxative.

American Academy of Pediatrics: Maternal Medication Usually Compatible With Breastfeeding.

Eleventh WHO Model List of Essential Drugs 2002: Compatible with breastfeeding.

Alternatives

We do not have alternatives for Senna since it is relatively safe.

Very Low Risk

Compatible. Not risky for breastfeeding or infant.

Low Risk

Moderately safe. Mild risk possible. Follow up recommended. Read the Comment.

High Risk

Poorly safe. Evaluate carefully. Use a safer alternative. Read the Comment.

Very High Risk

Not recommended. Cessation of breastfeeding or alternative.

Synonyms

  • センノシド
  • Cassia angustifolia
  • Cassia senna
  • Senna alexandrina
  • Sennoside A/B
  • σέννα
  • Кассия Остролистная
  • Сеннозиды

Drug trade names

References

  1. Bunchorntavakul C, Reddy KR. Review article: herbal and dietary supplement hepatotoxicity. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2013Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  2. Budzynska K, Gardner ZE, Dugoua JJ, Low Dog T, Gardiner P. Systematic review of breastfeeding and herbs. Breastfeed Med. 2012Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  3. WHO. World Health Organization. WHO monographs on medicinal plants commonly used in the Newly Independent States (NIS). WHO monographs. 2010 Full text (in our servers)
  4. Mahadevan U, Kane S. American gastroenterological association institute technical review on the use of gastrointestinal medications in pregnancy. Gastroenterology. 2006Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  5. WHO / UNICEF. BREASTFEEDING AND MATERNAL MEDICATION Recommendations for Drugs in the Eleventh WHO Model List of Essential Drugs. Department of Child and Adolescent Health and Development (WHO/UNICEF) 2002 Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  6. AAP - American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Drugs. Transfer of drugs and other chemicals into human milk. Pediatrics. 2001Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  7. Nice FJ, Snyder JL, Kotansky BC. Breastfeeding and over-the-counter medications. J Hum Lact. 2000Abstract
  8. WHO. World Health Organization. Geneva. WHO monographs on selected medicinal plants. Volume I. WHO monographs 1999 Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  9. Hagemann TM. Gastrointestinal medications and breastfeeding. J Hum Lact. 1998Abstract
  10. Gattuso JM, Kamm MA. Adverse effects of drugs used in the management of constipation and diarrhoea. Drug Saf. 1994Abstract
  11. Grospietsch G. [Is Agiolax safe in pregnancy and lactation?]. Med Monatsschr Pharm. 1991Abstract
  12. Faber P, Strenge-Hesse A. Sennahaltiges Laxans: Übertritt in Muttermilch?\ [Senna-containing laxatives: excretion in the breast milk?]. Geburtshilfe Frauenheilkd. 1989Abstract
  13. Faber P, Strenge-Hesse A. [Senna-containing laxatives: excretion in the breast milk?]. Geburtshilfe Frauenheilkd. 1989Abstract
  14. Faber P, Strenge-Hesse A. Relevance of rhein excretion into breast milk. Pharmacology. 1988Abstract
  15. Shelton MG. Standardized senna in the management of constipation in the puerperium: A clinical trial. S Afr Med J. 1980Abstract
  16. Werthmann MW Jr, Krees SV. Quantitative excretion of Senokot in human breast milk. Med Ann Dist Columbia. 1973Abstract
  17. Greenhalf JO, Leonard HS. Laxatives in the treatment of constipation in pregnant and breast-feeding mothers. Practitioner. 1973Abstract
  18. BALDWIN WF. Clinical Study of Senna Administration to Nursing Mothers: Assessment of Effects on Infant Bowel Habits. Can Med Assoc J. 1963Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  19. DUNCAN AS. Standardized senna as a laxative in the puerperium; a clinical assessment. Br Med J. 1957Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)