Ask An Expert: Children and Constipation

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Ask An Expert: Children and Constipation

Question:

I have a granddaughter who is constipated. Can you tell me what a safe laxative is for a 6-year-old?

Answer:

The safest way to treat constipation in children is by changing their diet. Eating lots of fiber (fruits, vegetables, whole grains) and drinking plenty of water can make a big difference -- and is good for a child's overall health. Prunes, either in juice or by themselves are a time-tested, natural remedy for constipation. (Cut-up dried prunes look and taste like raisins, which kids usually like.)

If dietary changes don't do the trick, call the doctor. He or she can go over the foods your granddaughter eats, check her general health, and make sure there isn't a medical condition that is causing her constipation. Only then should medications be used.

There are many medications that can be used safely in children under a doctor's supervision. Examples include:

• Senna, an herbal laxative

• Mineral oil, which lubricates the intestine (This shouldn't be used in infants; in older children, mix it with chocolate syrup, orange juice or ice cream to make it more pleasant to take)

• Milk of magnesia, an "osmotic" laxative that works by pulling fluid into the intestine

• Malt soup extract, a bulk-producing laxative

• Psyllium, methylcellulose and other "fiber" powders (e.g. Metamucil or Citrucel)

• Docusate, a stool softener

• Bisacodyl, a stimulating laxative

• Miralax, a tasteless powder that contains polyethlylene glycol and is an osmotic laxative

• Lactulose, a sweet syrup that is also an osmotic laxative

Your doctor can help you choose which medication, and which dosing schedule, is best for your situation. In order for any medication to be safe in children, follow the doctor's instructions exactly.

If the medication isn't working, or there is vomiting, very bad belly pain, or blood in the stools, call the doctor immediately.

Claire McCarthy, M.D., is a senior medical editor for Harvard Health Publications. She is an instructor in pediatrics at Harvard Medical School, an attending physician at Children's Hospital of Boston, and co-director of the pediatrics department at Martha Eliot Health Center, a neighborhood health service of Children's Hospital. The author of two books, "Learning How the Heart Beats" and "Everyone's Children", Dr. McCarthy was a regular columnist for "Sesame Street Parents Magazine" from 1995 to 1998 and is currently a contributing editor for "Parenting Magazine".

Last updated:	June 03, 2007