Stool Softeners: MedlinePlus Drug Information

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Stool softeners are used on a short-term basis to relieve constipation by people who should avoid straining during bowel movements because of heart conditions, hemorrhoids, and other problems. They work by softening stools to make them easier to pass.

Stool softeners come as a capsule, tablet, liquid, and syrup to take by mouth. A stool softener usually is taken at bedtime. Follow the directions on the package or your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take stool softeners exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Swallow the docusate capsules whole; do not split, chew, or crush them.

Take capsules and tablets with a full glass of water. The liquid comes with a specially marked dropper for measuring the dose. Ask your pharmacist to show you how to use it if you have difficulty. Mix the liquid (not the syrup) with 4 ounces (120 milliliters) of milk, fruit juice, or formula to mask its bitter taste.

One to three days of regular use usually are needed for this medicine to take effect. Do not take stool softeners for more than 1 week unless your doctor directs you to. If sudden changes in bowel habits last longer than 2 weeks or if your stools are still hard after you have taken this medicine for 1 week, call your doctor.

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Before taking stool softeners,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to any stool softeners, any other medications, or to any of the ingredients in the stool softeners, Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking. Be sure to mention mineral oil. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while taking stool softeners, call your doctor.

This medication usually is taken as needed. If your doctor has told you to take stool softeners regularly, take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Stool softeners may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• stomach or intestinal cramps
• nausea
• throat irritation (from oral liquid)

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• rash
• hives
• difficulty breathing or swallowing
• fever
• vomiting
• stomach pain

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online (http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch) or by phone (1-800-332-1088).

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).

It is important to keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not child-resistant and young children can open them easily. To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location – one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. http://www.upandaway.org

Unneeded medications should be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children, and other people cannot consume them. However, you should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist or contact your local garbage/recycling department to learn about take-back programs in your community. See the FDA’s Safe Disposal of Medicines website (http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p) for more information if you do not have access to a take-back program.

• Colace^®
• Correctol Soft Gels^®
• Diocto^®
• Ex-Lax Stool Softener^®
• Fleet Sof-Lax^®
• Phillips’ Liqui-Gels^®
• Surfak^®

• Correctol 50 Plus^® (containing Docusate, Sennosides)
• Ex-Lax Gentle Strength^® (containing Docusate, Sennosides)
• Gentlax S^® (containing Docusate, Sennosides)
• Peri-Colace^® (containing Docusate, Sennosides)
• Senokot S^® (containing Docusate, Sennosides)

• dioctyl calcium sulfosuccinate
• dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate
• docusate calcium
• docusate sodium
• DOSS
• DSS

Last Revised – 08/15/2018

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Stool Softener Oral: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Pictures, Warnings & Dosing

Uses

This medication is used to treat occasional constipation. Some medications and conditions can make constipation more likely. Stool softeners such as docusate are often the first method used for preventing and treating this type of constipation. Docusate is often used when straining to have a bowel movement should be avoided (such as after a heart attack or surgery).Docusate is a stool softener. It works by increasing the amount of water the stool absorbs in the gut, making the stool softer and easier to pass. Relief is usually seen in 1 to 3 days with this medication.Check the ingredients on the label even if you have used the product before. The manufacturer may have changed the ingredients. Also, products with similar names may contain different ingredients meant for different purposes. Taking the wrong product could harm you.

How to use Stool Softener Capsule

If you are taking the over-the-counter product to self-treat, read and follow all directions on the product package before taking this medication. If you have any questions, consult your pharmacist. If your doctor has prescribed this medication, take it as directed.

Take this medication by mouth, usually at bedtime with a full glass (8 ounces or 240 milliliters) of water or juice, or as directed by your doctor. The dosage is based on your medical condition, age, and response to treatment.

If you are using the liquid form of this medication, measure the dose carefully using a special measuring device/spoon. Do not use a household spoon because you may not get the correct dose. If you are using the drops, measure the medication with the dropper provided, or use a dose-measuring spoon or device to make sure you have the correct dose. Mix the syrup, liquid or drops in 4 to 8 ounces of fruit juice, milk or infant formula to prevent throat irritation and mask a bitter taste.

Use this medication only when needed. Do not use this product for more than 1 week unless directed by your doctor.

Do not increase your dose or take this drug more often or for longer than directed. Your condition will not improve any faster, and your risk of side effects will increase.

If your condition lasts or gets worse, or if you think you may have a serious medical problem, get medical help right away.

Side Effects

Stomach pain, diarrhea, or cramping may occur. Irritated throat (with liquid or syrup forms) may also occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

If your doctor has directed you to use this medication, remember that your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: rectal bleeding.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US – Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada – Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

Before taking docusate, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

If you have any of the following health problems, consult your doctor or pharmacist before using this medication: severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, sudden change in bowel habits over the previous 2 weeks.

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant before using this medication.

It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Interactions

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor’s approval.

A product that may interact with this drug is: mineral oil.

Does Stool Softener Capsule interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose

If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

Do not share this medication with others.

Keep all medical and lab appointments.

To prevent constipation, eat dietary fiber, drink enough water, and exercise. Use this medication for temporary relief of constipation only. To prevent becoming dependent on laxatives, do not take this medication for a long period of time.

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Use your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

Images

Stool Softener 100 mg capsule

Color: red,whiteShape: ovalImprint: P10

This medicine is a red white, oval, capsule imprinted with “P10”.

Stool Softener 100 mg capsule

Color: redShape: ovalImprint: A92

This medicine is a red white, oval, capsule imprinted with “P10”.

Stool Softener 250 mg capsule

Color: orangeShape: oblongImprint: SCU1

This medicine is a red white, oval, capsule imprinted with “P10”.

Stool Softener 100 mg capsule

Color: orangeShape: ovalImprint: P51

This medicine is a red white, oval, capsule imprinted with “P10”.

Stool Softener 100 mg capsule

Color: red,whiteShape: ovalImprint: SCU2

This medicine is a red white, oval, capsule imprinted with “P10”.

Stool Softener 250 mg capsule

Color: orange-redShape: oblongImprint: P20

This medicine is a red white, oval, capsule imprinted with “P10”.

Stool Softener 50 mg capsule

Color: redShape: ovalImprint: PC20

This medicine is a red white, oval, capsule imprinted with “P10”.

Stool Softener 100 mg capsule

Color: red,whiteShape: ovalImprint: SCU2

This medicine is a red white, oval, capsule imprinted with “P10”.

Stool Softener 100 mg capsule

Color: red,whiteShape: ovalImprint: P10

This medicine is a red white, oval, capsule imprinted with “P10”.

Stool Softener 100 mg capsule

Color: red,whiteShape: ovalImprint: P 10 L486

This medicine is a red white, oval, capsule imprinted with “P10”.

Stool Softener 100 mg capsule

Color: red,whiteShape: ovalImprint: P10

This medicine is a red white, oval, capsule imprinted with “P10”.

Stool Softener 100 mg capsule

Color: red,whiteShape: ovalImprint: SCU2

This medicine is a red white, oval, capsule imprinted with “P10”.

Stool Softener 100 mg capsule

Color: redShape: oblongImprint:

This medicine is a red white, oval, capsule imprinted with “P10”.

Stool Softener 250 mg capsule

Color: orange-redShape: oblongImprint: P20

This medicine is a red white, oval, capsule imprinted with “P10”.

Stool Softener 250 mg capsule

Color: orangeShape: oblongImprint: SCU1

This medicine is a red white, oval, capsule imprinted with “P10”.

Stool Softener 100 mg capsule

Color: orange-redShape: ovalImprint: scu1

This medicine is a red white, oval, capsule imprinted with “P10”.

Stool Softener 100 mg capsule

Color: red,whiteShape: ovalImprint: P 10 L486

This medicine is a red white, oval, capsule imprinted with “P10”.

Stool Softener 100 mg capsule

Color: orangeShape: ovalImprint: P51

This medicine is a red white, oval, capsule imprinted with “P10”.

Stool Softener 100 mg capsule

Color: red,whiteShape: ovalImprint: P 10 L486

This medicine is a red white, oval, capsule imprinted with “P10”.

Stool Softener 100 mg capsule

Color: red,whiteShape: ovalImprint: P 10 L486

This medicine is a red white, oval, capsule imprinted with “P10”.

Stool Softener 100 mg capsule

Color: red,whiteShape: ovalImprint: P 10 L486

This medicine is a red white, oval, capsule imprinted with “P10”.

Stool Softener 100 mg capsule

Color: red,whiteShape: ovalImprint: L486

This medicine is a red white, oval, capsule imprinted with “P10”.

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CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.

Laxatives for constipation | Microlax

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Laxatives for constipation

Contents

• Stimulant laxatives
• Bulking agents
• Emollients
• Microclysters

Stool retention is common in both sexes, in all age groups ² . According to various data, from 2 to 27% of the population ¹ have it, and there is a trend towards an increase in the prevalence of constipation among young people ² . There are no exact statistics in Russia, since not everyone reports such a delicate problem to the doctor ¹ .

Constipation can be a symptom of a specific disease. If, after examination, no changes in the intestines or other organs can be found, constipation is considered a primary violation ¹⁶ .

To restore the regularity of the stool, you need to change the diet, drink enough fluids and increase physical activity ⁴ .

If these methods fail, laxatives are used as symptomatic treatment ² .

They are prescribed to cleanse the intestines, removing from it dense feces that are difficult to pass.

Also, laxatives help restore regular and painless stools, make them soft and prevent the occurrence of “fecal blockage” ^1,3,11 .

Laxatives with different mechanisms of action are presented on the pharmaceutical market today. But for convenience they are divided into 3 large groups ^{1, 3} :

• Stimulating;
• Increasing the volume of intestinal contents;
• Stool softeners.

Each group is suitable for a specific problem that has led to constipation ³ . We will deal with all this diversity in the article.

Stimulant laxatives

Peristalsis stimulants (intestinal contractions) – irritants that act on nerve endings in the intestinal mucosa ^3,4,5,6,7 .

Drugs with irritating effects may affect different parts of the digestive tract ^3,4,5 :

• small intestine – area of ​​action of castor oil and laxative resins;
• Colon activity is increased by senna, buckthorn, rhubarb, sulfur, sodium picosulfate and diphenylmethane derivatives.

They also produce drugs that are converted into their active form under the influence of intestinal enzymes, so they “work” in both the small and large intestines ^3,4,5,6 .

It is important to remember that the abuse of stimulant laxatives can cause side effects:

Diarrhea with cramping pain in the abdomen. Due to diarrhea, the body loses the potassium, sodium and chloride ions it needs.

When they are deficient, general weakness worries, and due to an imbalance of ions, there is a possibility of arrhythmias and a decrease in blood pressure ^5.16

Lazy bowel phenomenon. “Lazy” is called the large intestine, which has turned into an enlarged tube that has lost its tone. Without taking large doses of laxatives, it is not able to contract and move feces. This often happens if the drug accumulates in the colon mucosa and its nerve plexuses, and then destroys the smooth muscles that push the feces ^1,5,16

The lazy bowel syndrome is manifested by the progression of constipation, which is difficult to correct ^2.5 . Due to rapid tolerance ⁷ peristalsis stimulants are not recommended for more than 14 days ^5.16 .

Bulking agents

Bulk laxatives retain water, swell and stretch the intestinal wall with increased volume. Excessive stretching triggers peristalsis, and bowel movement is accelerated ¹⁷ .

This group of drugs includes ^3.16 :

• dietary fiber;
• osmotic laxatives – macrogol, lactulose, salts.

The listed drugs are difficult to digest, and some are not digested at all, so they are practically not absorbed through the mucous into the blood ¹⁷ .

Dietary fiber

Dietary fiber (fiber) is found in bran, seaweed, psyllium and flax husks ¹⁴ . They are also found in vegetables and fruits. Fiber is able to swell in the intestinal lumen, increasing the mass of feces, which mechanically irritates the intestinal wall ^3.7 . But the effect is manifested immediately, and after 10 days, sometimes the result has to wait up to 3 weeks ⁶ .

To get a laxative effect when using dietary fiber, do not forget to drink enough water ³ – 1.5-2 liters per day ¹⁷ , because to increase the volume of stool, fiber must absorb a lot of liquid ^{3. 7} .

When choosing between wheat bran and psyllium, be aware that wheat bran can cause flatulence ^7.16 . Therefore, the elderly are advised to use psyllium seeds, which are better tolerated ¹⁶ .

Macrogol

Products based on polyethylene glycol (macrogol) are poorly absorbed substances ^6.9 . Due to this property, they are able to retain fluid in the intestinal lumen ^7.9 .

Macrogol does not cause dehydration, but only slows down the absorption of water ¹⁴ . After taking a laxative, the stool becomes thinner, its consistency improves, and the frequency of bowel movements increases ⁷ .

The disadvantage of macrogol is a rather slowly developing effect and intestinal hypotension ¹ , and the main side effect is potentiation of fecal incontinence ⁷ . According to the instructions, the recommended duration of macrogol intake is up to 14 days ⁸ .

Salt laxatives

Concentrated salts – magnesium sulfate, sodium sulfate, Karlovy Vary salt ^{8, 9} – act at the level of the small intestine and increase the osmotic pressure in it ¹⁷ . On the one hand, this attracts liquid into the intestinal lumen ^1,4,5,6,7 , and on the other hand, it retains water in it ^7.8 .

Under the influence of salts, the feces become liquid, as in diarrhea, and are easily excreted ^,8,17 .

But it is precisely because of severe diarrhea that saline laxatives are not suitable for long-term use. With the constant release of loose stools, imbalances of water and ions may occur ¹⁷ . Also, these drugs are not recommended for people with kidney and heart diseases, because salts can be absorbed into the bloodstream in a minimal amount and retain water in the body ¹⁴ . When using Karlovy Vary salt, an unpleasant taste can become a problem for patients ⁸ .

Lactulose

Lactulose has a laxative effect not directly, but with the help of beneficial bacteria. Using it as food ^{10, 13} , the bifidobacteria and lactobacilli living in the intestine secrete substances that act like osmotic laxatives ^7,10,13,17 . But at the same time, severe diarrhea does not occur, because lactulose “works” exclusively in the large intestine ^15.17 .

The laxative effect of lactulose develops gradually:

with a single dose after 24-48 hours;

systemically – after 2-4 hours ¹⁵

Since lactulose is not digested, it is practically not absorbed and has no systemic side effects ¹⁵ . Sometimes, with an incorrectly selected dose, against the background of the use of the drug, bloating may disturb ^15.17 .

Emollients

These drugs for constipation include glycerin, almond oil, liquid paraffin, sodium docusate ^2,7,8 . They contribute to the impregnation of stool with water, increasing the volume of intestinal contents and softening its consistency. In addition, stool softeners lubricate the intestinal mucosa. Currently, drugs in this group have a limited set of indications due to side effects (loss of fat-soluble vitamins) ^6.7 .

See in our video what kind of laxative to choose for constipation: tablets, syrup or microclyster

Microclysters

Laxatives in the form of microclysters can be used for emergency bowel relief from hard feces ¹² . This form includes drugs with a combined mechanism of action, that is, working “together”. They calpeptize (break down dense masses), increase its volume and make it soft ^2.11 .

Microclysters are also used to correct constipation due to lazy bowel syndrome ² .

Micro enema MICROLAX ^® acts locally and has a mild laxative effect due to the presence in its composition ¹¹ :

• sodium citrate , which displaces bound water from the fecal lump;
• sodium lauryl sulfoacetate which loosens stools;
• sorbitol , which increases the flow of water into the intestinal lumen.

Using MICROLAX ^® is easy, no special knowledge or training is required ¹¹ . The tube with a tip contains the required single dose of the drug, and the microclyster format facilitates the use of a laxative, including in the case of a “fecal plug” or preparation for a rectal examination ¹¹ .

MICROLAX ^® is approved for use in adults and children from birth ¹¹ . It acts only on the feces, softens them and facilitates bowel movements ¹¹ . At the same time, the drug is not addictive and does not affect the function of other parts of the gastrointestinal tract.

Remember that laxatives do not eliminate the cause of constipation, they only reduce unpleasant symptoms. Their independent, prolonged or uncontrolled intake can aggravate the course of the causative disease, if stool retention is one of its manifestations ² .

All laxatives should be taken only after consulting a physician. To get rid of constipation comfortably and effectively, be sure to be examined by a general practitioner or gastroenterologist. Only a specialist will be able to take into account all contraindications, the risk of side effects and prescribe medications so that they are not addictive.

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Rapid Mild Laxative

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Combating constipation requires patience and a holistic approach. Lifestyle changes, dietary modifications and physical activity will help restore regularity of the stool ² . It is important to follow the recommendations of a specialist, and if necessary, use laxatives prescribed by a doctor.

The information in this article is for reference only and does not replace professional medical advice. For diagnosis and treatment, contact a qualified specialist.

Literature

1. Minushkin O.N. Functional constipation: dynamics of representations, diagnostics, some therapeutic approaches. Medical advice. 2017; 20:92-95
2. Turchina M.S. The use of a complex laxative in the treatment of chronic constipation. Medical advice. 2017; 5:77-79
3. Minushkin O.N. Chronic constipation (definition, epidemiology, diagnosis): modern drug therapy. Medical advice. 2015; 13:100-105
4. Plotnikova E.Yu., Krasnov K.A. Constipation needs to be treated. Medical advice. 2018; 14:61-66
5. Stepanov Yu. M., Vlasova O.N. et al. Negative effects of abuse of laxatives in medical practice. gastroenterology. 2018; 52(3): 168-173
6. Luzina E.V. Safety of the use of laxatives. Russian medical journal. 2014; 5:41-44
7. Parfenov A.I. Three variants of pathogenesis and therapy of chronic constipation. Gastroenterology. 2012; 3:7-19
8. Plotnikova E.Yu. Modern concepts of constipation. Attending doctor. 08/2015
9. Pharmacology of drugs that affect the function of the digestive system: textbook A.N. Leventa, L.B. Kuklina, S.G. Aleksandrov, N.V. Verlan, L.O. Hutsol, I.Zh. Seminsky, O.V. Shabaturova; GBOU VPO IGMU of the Ministry of Health of Russia – Irkutsk, 2013. -112 p.102-103
10. World Gastroenterological Organization Global Practice Guidelines. Probiotics and prebiotics. 2017 – 37s.
11. Instructions for use MICROLAX ^® microclysters. // Reg. number P N011146/01 // GRLS RF. – URL: https : //grls . rosminzdrav . ru/Grls_View_v2.aspx?routingGuid=f052fb31-5426-4bc1-958f-9fce793aa43f&t= (accessed 05.05.2010).
12. Erdes S.I., Matsukatova B.O. and others. Episodic and chronic constipation in children: a stepwise approach to therapy within the Rome IV criteria. Pediatrics. Consilium Medicum. 2019; 1: 71-76
13. Constipation in young children: causes and features of dietary correction O.N. Komarova, A.I. Khavkin (Issues of modern pediatrics. 2014; 13 (1): 114–118
14. Clinical guidelines. Constipation in adults (as a manifestation of systemic diseases). Scientific Society of Gastroenterologists of Russia (NOGR), Russian Scientific Medical Society of Therapists (RNMOT) — 2019
15. Lactulose: arguments and facts. Yu.O. Shulpekov. EFFECTIVE PHARMACOTHERAPY. Gastroenterology. 5/2011 – S. 28-71.
16. Clinical guidelines: Constipation / Russian Gastroenterological Association. Association of Coloproctologists of Russia – 2020.
17. Minushkin O.N. 1, Elizavetina G. A. Forlax in the treatment of chronic constipation: features of therapy for elderly patients / “BC” No. 1 – 2006.

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Specially for children from birth to 3 years old

is it possible for a child to take, the rules of admission, dosage

Peculiarities of constipation in children incomplete bowel movement.

For babies of the first months of life on breastfeeding, stools can normally be from one to 6-7 times during the day. With a gradual transition to the “common table”, the chair becomes thicker and less frequent. Constipation can be considered a decrease in stools – less than 6 times a week for babies up to 3 years ¹ .

In older children, the frequency of bowel movements can normally range from 3 times a day to 3 times a week. Constipation can be considered less than 3 stools per week for children over
3 years of age ¹ .

Non-drug correction

If the baby has constipation, first of all, it is necessary to review and adjust the feeding process: the feeding schedule and the amount of food. It may be necessary to refuse unreasonably early introduction of complementary foods. A nursing mother should drink enough fluids and limit the use of foods that stimulate gas formation and slow down the peristalsis of the large intestine: strong tea and coffee, alcoholic beverages, chocolate, sugar syrups, citrus fruits ² .

In a bottle-fed baby with constipation, use only adapted milk formulas and avoid frequent changes.

The baby needs to be provided with a sufficient amount of liquid: clean water, you can give herbal tea with fennel or chamomile for babies. Starting from 4-4.5 months, the baby can be given weakly concentrated dried fruit compotes or berry fruit drinks. It is worth introducing complementary foods in the form of vegetable and fruit purees no earlier than the 5th month of a child’s life ² .

Abdominal massage may be helpful for babies with constipation problems before feeding.

Constipation can also be relieved by position therapy (laying the baby on the stomach with legs bent and brought to the body), light massage of the perianal area ² .

The diet of a child with constipation older than one year of age should contain food rich in dietary fiber and vegetable fiber, fermented milk and dairy products containing lacto- and bifidobacteria

^2.3 .

Wheat bran is abundant in dietary fiber, but its use in young children may be limited due to the bran’s ability to absorb nutrients in the intestinal lumen. The diet should also include vegetables and fruits ² . It is also important for the child to observe the drinking regime – drinking enough water ⁴ .

Physical activity

A necessary condition for preventing constipation is constant regular physical activity (especially morning exercises), sufficient exposure of the child to fresh air (in cold weather – at least 2 hours, in warm – 4 hours or more) ³ .

Formation of toilet habits

To form toilet skills from the age of one and a half years, a child should be put on the pot 2-3 times a day after meals for 5 minutes (toilet training) ¹ . At this time, the baby should not play with toys, look at pictures in books, watch TV ³ .

Suppression of the urge to defecate

Suppression of the urge to defecate may be the main causative factor of constipation if the child is constantly busy and his day is scheduled to the minute, as well as in an unusual and uncomfortable environment ¹ . Therefore, for normal bowel movements, a comfortable toilet is important, including a footrest, if necessary, to provide support during defecation ⁴ .

Drug treatment

It is believed that even the initial therapy of constipation in children should not be limited only to the correction of nutrition and regimen. Such changes may increase the frequency of stools in healthy children, but not reduce symptoms in those with constipation ² .

Some drugs used in adults may be restricted for use in children for various reasons.

Also, some laxatives may have an unpleasant taste or require a large amount of liquid to be taken, which may make children reluctant to take the medicine ² . It is important to note that many children may have a negative attitude towards rectal manipulation: the use of enemas may cause additional fear and discomfort in children regarding defecation ^2.5 . In addition, often the use of rectal laxatives is considered possible only after unsuccessful treatment with oral laxatives ⁶ .

For the treatment of constipation in children, a doctor may prescribe a drug from the group of stimulant laxatives from the age of 0 years – oral drops Guttalax®

^2.7 .

The active ingredient, sodium picosulfate, is activated directly in the colon by bacterial degradation. Guttalax® promotes the natural process of defecation ⁷ .

Guttalax® has a dual mechanism of action:

On the one hand, it helps to increase intestinal motility, stimulating the act of defecation, and on the other hand, it helps to soften the stool by attracting water / electrolytes into the lumen of the large intestine ⁷ .

What else is important to know about Guttalax®

The drug is not addictive when taken in recommended dosages ⁷

Guttalax® does not affect the digestion and absorption of nutrients in the intestines ^2.7

The drug in the form of drops allows you to choose an individual effective dose for the child ⁷

doctor’s consultations ⁷

Instructions for use and dosage*

⁷

According to the instructions for medical use, the standard dosage of Guttalax® for children:

Children from 0 to 4 years old

For children under 4 years of age, Guttalax® is dosed by weight :
1 drop per 2 kg body weight per day

Over 10 years old

Dose: 10-20 drops per day

Children 4 to 10 years old

Dosage: 5-10 drops per day

Laxative effect may take 6-12 hours to develop

* Use Guttalax® in children only after consulting a doctor.