Laxatives For Children: Safe Or Not?

Constipation is a common issue in children, and while it can be worrying for parents, it is usually not due to any serious medical condition. In most cases, simple dietary changes can help alleviate constipation, such as increasing water and fibre intake. However, if these changes do not help, a laxative may be necessary to provide relief. Laxatives are medications that can help treat and prevent constipation by softening stools or stimulating bowel movements. While they are relatively safe for children and can be purchased over the counter, it is important to consult a healthcare professional before giving your child any laxatives. This is because laxatives can have side effects, and certain types may be more suitable for your child than others.

Laxatives should only be given to children with the recommendation of a healthcare professional

Laxatives are a group of medications designed to relieve constipation, making it easier to pass stools. They can be administered orally or rectally. However, laxatives should only be given to children with the recommendation of a healthcare professional.

Before administering any laxative to your child, it is essential to consult their doctor or a healthcare provider. They will assess your child's medical history, diet, and physical activity patterns. The doctor may also perform a physical examination to check for any abnormalities or impacted stool. This is crucial because laxatives are not recommended for all children, especially those with certain medical conditions or specific dietary restrictions.

Additionally, it is important to remember that laxatives should not be the first line of treatment for constipation in children. Instead, parents should focus on making dietary and lifestyle changes, such as increasing their child's fluid intake, encouraging physical activity, and incorporating more high-fibre foods into their diet. If these changes do not help alleviate constipation, a healthcare professional may then recommend the use of laxatives.

Laxatives come in various forms, such as chewable tablets, liquids that can be mixed with drinks, or suppositories. They also have different active ingredients and mechanisms of action. For example, some laxatives work by softening the stool, while others stimulate the rectal muscles to help pass the stool. A healthcare professional can help determine the most suitable type and form of laxative for your child, ensuring their safety and effectiveness.

Furthermore, it is crucial to closely follow the dosage instructions provided by the healthcare professional. Giving your child more than the recommended dose or combining multiple types of laxatives can lead to adverse effects. Prolonged use of laxatives without medical supervision may also lead to dependency, which can cause further health issues. Therefore, it is essential to work closely with your child's doctor to ensure the safe and effective use of laxatives.

Laxatives are not recommended for babies who have not been weaned

If your baby is still constipated, it's important to consult your GP or paediatrician. They may recommend dietary changes, such as increasing the amount of fibre in their diet or adjusting the amount of formula or breast milk they receive. Breastfed babies, for example, may need more breast milk if they are pooing less than once a day. For formula-fed babies, ensuring the correct formula mix and providing extra fluids can help with constipation.

It's important to remember that occasional constipation is common and not always a cause for concern. Every child has different bathroom habits, so it's important to be in tune with your child's normal patterns. However, if constipation is causing your baby pain or discomfort, or if you notice any tears around their anus, it's best to seek medical advice.

While laxatives can be effective in treating constipation, they should only be used under medical supervision, especially in young children. In some cases, your doctor may prescribe or recommend a laxative, but it's crucial to follow their instructions carefully to ensure the correct dosage and type of laxative. Remember, laxatives are just one option, and there are other approaches to consider, such as dietary changes, increased fluid intake, and abdominal massage.

Osmotic laxatives are the most common type used for children

Other osmotic laxatives include magnesium hydroxide (milk of magnesia) and lactulose. Lactulose is a synthetic, non-absorbable disaccharide that is available as a 70% solution. It is generally well tolerated and tastes sweet. Sorbitol is another osmotic laxative that is largely non-absorbable and available as a 70% solution.

Laxatives can have side effects such as diarrhoea and abdominal cramping

Laxatives can cause side effects such as diarrhoea and abdominal cramping. Laxatives are a group of medications designed to relieve constipation, making it easier to pass stool. They are available in oral and rectal forms. Oral medications may be in the form of pills or powders mixed with water, while rectal laxatives are administered as suppositories or enemas.

There are four main types of laxatives:

• Stool softeners: These add moisture to the stool, making it softer and easier to pass. Examples include polyethylene glycol (found in products like GlycoLax and MiraLax) and mineral oil.
• Osmotic laxatives: These increase water in the intestines, aiding the passage of hard stool. Examples include milk of magnesia and magnesium citrate, and MiraLax, which contains polyethylene glycol.
• Lubricant laxatives: These coat the stool, making it slippery and easier to pass. Mineral oil is an example of a lubricant laxative.
• Stimulant laxatives: These stimulate the rectal muscles to help push out the stool. They include senna leaf derivatives (e.g., Senokot) and alkaloid chemicals like bisacodyl (Correctol, Dulcolax).

While laxatives can be effective in treating constipation, they may also cause side effects. The most common side effects include excessive gassiness, bloating, and abdominal cramping. The cramps associated with stimulant laxatives can be particularly uncomfortable. However, these complaints can often be minimised by slowly introducing fibre-containing laxatives and allowing the body to adjust to the increased gas formation that occurs with fibre consumption.

It is important to note that laxatives should not be given to babies who have not yet been weaned. For older babies and children, laxatives should only be used under the recommendation and supervision of a doctor. The dosage should be carefully monitored to prevent the child from becoming dependent on laxatives for bowel movements.

There are alternatives to laxatives, such as changes in diet and routine

There are several alternatives to laxatives that can help relieve constipation in children. These include changes in diet, such as increasing fibre and fluid intake, as well as optimising toilet posture and bathroom schedules.

Diet

Constipation is often caused by a lack of fibre, water, or both in a child's diet. Therefore, it is important to ensure your child is eating enough fibre and staying hydrated. Depending on their age and sex, children should be consuming 14 to 31 grams of fibre per day. Good sources of fibre include whole grains (e.g. whole wheat bread, pasta, oatmeal), legumes (e.g. lentils, black beans), fruits and vegetables (with the skin on), and nuts. To help the fibre work effectively, make sure your child is drinking plenty of water and other liquids throughout the day.

It is also recommended to limit your child's consumption of foods with little to no fibre, such as processed foods, dairy, white bread, and some types of meat, as these can contribute to constipation.

Routine

In addition to dietary changes, establishing a bathroom routine can help prevent constipation. Encourage your child to try and have a bowel movement after meals by sitting on the toilet for about 10 minutes. Creating a routine will help your child develop healthy bowel habits and make it easier for them to pass stool regularly.

If these dietary and routine changes do not help relieve your child's constipation, it is important to consult a healthcare professional before considering laxatives or other medications. They can provide guidance and recommend safe and effective treatments.

Frequently asked questions