(continued from previous page)

Waller and Misiewicz found that the sennosides abolish the hypersegmentation of patients suffering from severe irritable bowel syndrome. Mountjoy et al. have shown that senna glycosides, in therapeutic dosage, do not disrupt the usual pattern of defaecation times. Exton-Smith has demonstrated their marked stool softening properties making the use of sufactants or lubricants unnecessary. Stephen et al. have found that sennosides significantly increase the rate of colonic transit which, in turn, increases both faecal weight and dry bacterial mass. Finally, Coekin and Gairdner found sensitivity to be regained slowly over a period of 1 year. On the other hand, others have found that a few small doses may be all that is required. These evident advantages together with the fact that sennosides are virtually colon-specific and are little absorbed from the gut, explain the wide-spread use of senna preparations in all ages.
(Reference to two studies on constipated infants aged 3 months to 5 years.)

A standardised senna preparation was used as a laxative…and it was found to be of considerable value in the establishment of normal habits. Minimal dosage was used and treatment could be discontinued quickly in almost all cases because of its curative and reeducative action.

Standardised senna was also used in the treatment of chronic and severe constipation in older children. More prolonged treatment was required but, finally, satisfactory bowel movements were established without further treatment.

Children, even infants, tolerate senna extremely well. In some cases a few small doses are sufficient but in others prolonged treatment and much higher dosage are required.