Skin Breakdown and Blisters from Senna-Containing Laxatives in Young Children

BACKGROUND:At the direction of the Food and Drug Administration, phenolphthalein was removed from all over-the-counter laxatives in 1999. Phenolphthalein was then replaced in most laxative products with the natural product senna from Cassia acutifolia Delile, which contains various anthraquinones. No data are available on the safety of senna use in children <6 years of age.OBJECTIVE:To describe the clinical outcomes of exposure to unintentional ingestion of senna-containing laxatives in young children.METHODS:All ingestion exposures of senna-containing laxatives in children <5 years of age from 6 poison centers over a 9-month period were evaluated. Inclusion criteria required 24-hour follow-up and the presence of diarrhea to confirm ingestion. Parents were told routinely that severe diaper rash was possible and to protect the perianal area with frequent cleansing and a barrier ointment if the child was wearing diapers.RESULTS:During the study period, 111 cases were reported: 19 children experienced no dia...