The best medications for treating constipation in children, constipation in children occurs when bowel movements slow down and stool becomes dry, making bowel movements difficult.
Children suffering from constipation experience significant discomfort. Treatment often involves dietary changes to include fiber, vegetables, and fruits, along with increased water intake to soften stools.
If constipation persists, a doctor may prescribe appropriate laxatives for children. These medications increase the amount of water absorbed by the stool, making it softer and easier to pass.
The best laxatives for constipation in children
Constipation is a symptom, not a disease, and indicates an underlying issue. It can be acute and temporary, or it can recur to the point of becoming chronic, causing prolonged discomfort.
A specialist will prescribe laxatives that draw water from the body into the intestines, reducing stool hardness and softening it, thus facilitating bowel movements.
Lactulose Syrup
Lactulose syrup is used to relieve constipation in children by drawing water into the intestines, thus softening the stool and facilitating its passage.
Ingredients of Lactulose Syrup
The syrup contains the active ingredient lactulose, a type of sugar that is not absorbed by the digestive system and reaches the intestines unchanged. It works by drawing water into the intestines, making the stool softer.
Duphalac Syrup
Duphalac syrup is used to treat severe constipation in children, as it softens the stool and facilitates its passage.
Ingredients of Duphalac
It contains lactulose, a sugar that is not absorbed by the digestive system. This allows it to reach the intestines completely, where it helps absorb a significant amount of water to soften the stool and facilitate its passage.
Glycerin Suppositories
Glycerin suppositories are used to treat constipation. They are among the most popular laxatives that help increase the amount of water in the stool, facilitating its passage. They are available in different concentrations.
Components of Glycerin Suppositories
Glycerin suppositories contain the active ingredient glycerin, a laxative that treats acute constipation.
Picolax Drops
Picolax drops are a laxative used to treat acute and chronic constipation in children. They are also used to empty the bowels before surgery or endoscopy.
Components of Picolax Oral Drops
Picolax oral drops contain the active ingredient sodium picosulfate, which facilitates bowel movements.
Laxolac Syrup
Laxolac syrup is a laxative used to treat severe constipation in children. It softens the stool and also emptys the bowels before colonoscopy.
Laxolac Syrup Ingredients
It contains the active ingredient lactulose, which increases the water content of the stool, thus facilitating its passage.
Laxomag Syrup
Laxomag syrup is used as a laxative to treat constipation in children and cases of indigestion. It is also effective for many digestive disorders and helps regulate digestion.
Laxomag Medication Ingredients
It contains the active ingredient magnesium hydroxide, which acts as a laxative by drawing fluids into the intestines and stimulating bowel movements, thus facilitating the expulsion of stool.
Treatment Methods for Preventing Constipation in Children
It is recommended to modify daily lifestyle habits to prevent constipation in children, including:
- It is important for children to eat fiber-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains like wheat.
- Drinking plenty of water to keep the body hydrated and soften stools, as constipation increases the risk of dehydration.
- Using laxatives only under the supervision of a doctor.
- Encouraging children to be active and engage in physical exercise. Encourage your child to use the toilet, especially after meals.
How to treat constipation in children at home
- Give your child plenty of water and juices to drink.
- Massage your child's abdomen regularly to stimulate bowel movements.
- Avoid giving your child foods like fried foods and dairy products, as these can cause constipation.
- Reduce their intake of sweets and unhealthy foods.