BEKUNIS TABLETS

Bekunis 20 mg gastro-resistant tablets are a herbal medicine containing dry aqueous extract of Tinnevelly senna fruit. According to the last available official leaflet, they are intended for the short-term treatment of occasional constipation in adults, older people and adolescents over 12 years of age.

Each gastro-resistant tablet contains extract standardised to 20 mg of hydroxyanthracene derivatives, calculated as sennoside B. The pack contains 45 tablets.

Bekunis 20 mg – ingredients, use and precautions

What is Bekunis used for?

Bekunis is intended for the short-term treatment of occasional constipation. Senna derivatives stimulate movement of the large bowel and increase fluid in the intestinal contents, making bowel emptying easier.

Senna products should generally be used only when dietary measures, adequate fluid intake, physical activity and bulk-forming products have not provided sufficient relief.

How is Bekunis taken?

Adults, older people and adolescents over 12 years: one gastro-resistant tablet in the evening before bedtime.

• Swallow the tablet whole with sufficient water.
• Do not break, crush or chew it.
• Taking it two or three times a week is usually sufficient.
• Use the lowest dose that produces a comfortable, formed stool.
• Do not take more than one tablet daily.

When does it work?

The laxative effect usually develops within 8–12 hours. The tablet is therefore taken in the evening so that bowel emptying usually occurs the following morning.

How long may it be used?

Do not use Bekunis for longer than seven days. A doctor should investigate the cause if constipation continues, frequently returns or requires daily laxative use.

Long-term stimulant laxative use may impair normal bowel function and cause dependence, dehydration and electrolyte loss, particularly loss of potassium.

Use in children

Bekunis must not be given to children under 12 years of age.

When must Bekunis not be taken?

• allergy to senna or another ingredient;
• pregnancy or breastfeeding;
• age under 12 years;
• intestinal obstruction, narrowing or loss of bowel tone;
• appendicitis or suspected appendicitis;
• Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis;
• abdominal pain of unknown cause;
• unexplained nausea or vomiting;
• severe dehydration and electrolyte loss;
• faecal impaction without professional assessment.

Interactions with other medicines

Long-term or inappropriate use may cause potassium loss and alter the effects of other medicines. Special caution is required with:

• cardiac glycosides such as digoxin;
• medicines used for abnormal heart rhythms;
• medicines that may prolong the QT interval;
• diuretics;
• corticosteroids;
• products containing liquorice root.

Tell a doctor or pharmacist about all medicines and supplements you use.

Important information about some ingredients

Bekunis contains anhydrous lactose, sucrose and dried glucose syrup. Ask a doctor before use if you have been told that you cannot tolerate certain sugars.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Bekunis gastro-resistant tablets must not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Possible side effects

• abdominal pain or cramps;
• loose stools or diarrhoea;
• itching, hives or a skin rash;
• water and electrolyte loss with prolonged use;
• low blood potassium;
• protein or blood in the urine after inappropriate long-term use;
• pigmentation of the bowel lining, which generally resolves after treatment is stopped.

Urine may temporarily become yellow or reddish-brown during use.

If too much Bekunis is taken

Overdose may cause severe diarrhoea, painful cramps and considerable loss of water and electrolytes. This may lead to muscle weakness and abnormal heart rhythm. Contact a doctor or emergency medical service immediately.

If a dose is forgotten

Skip the missed dose and continue according to the usual schedule. Do not take two tablets to make up for a forgotten dose.

Storage

• Keep out of the sight and reach of children.
• Store in the original package below 25 °C.
• According to the leaflet for the 45-tablet pack, use within six months of first opening.
• Do not use after the expiry date.
• Return unused medicines to a pharmacy collecting pharmaceutical waste.

Frequently asked questions