Drug interactions
Lily of the valley + Senna
Severity: Major
Lily of the valley and Senna: major interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Chronic or excessive senna use can cause potassium loss. Lily of the valley contains cardiac glycosides, and hypokalemia increases sensitivity to their toxic arrhythmic effects.
What this interaction means in plain words
Lily of the valley and Senna can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Why it happens
Laxative-induced hypokalemia potentiates cardiac glycoside toxicity.
What to do
Avoid lily of the valley preparations. If exposure occurs, check serum potassium and ECG and correct electrolytes.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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Other interactions of Senna
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Lily of the valley with Senna?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Lily of the valley and Senna can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Chronic or excessive senna use can cause potassium loss. Lily of the valley contains cardiac glycosides, and hypokalemia increases sensitivity to their toxic arrhythmic effects.
How serious is the interaction between Lily of the valley and Senna?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid lily of the valley preparations. If exposure occurs, check serum potassium and ECG and correct electrolytes.
What other medicines interact with Senna?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Senna with, for example, Dichlorphenamide, Digoxin, Sodium sulfate / ?magnesium sulfate / potassium chloride. The full list is on the Senna page.
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