Laxative medicines for babies – Tua Saúde

Some laxative medicines, such as lactulose, glycerin suppositories and sorbitol, may be recommended by the pediatrician for the treatment of constipation in babies, as they help to soften feces and increase bowel movements, facilitating the elimination of feces and relieving symptoms of constipation such as colic, hard and dry stools.

Constipation is a very common problem in babies, especially in the first year of life, because their digestive system is not yet well developed, but it can also be related to the introduction of complementary foods after 6 months of life, or potty training. .

These laxative medications should only be used with a pediatrician’s recommendation after evaluating the symptoms and diagnosing the cause of constipation. Check out the main causes of constipation in babies.

The main laxative medications that are considered safe and that can be recommended by your pediatrician are:

1. Lactulose

Lactulose is a sugar that is not absorbed by the intestine, but is metabolized there, causing liquid to accumulate in the intestine, making the stool softer and thus facilitating its elimination.

This medicine can be found in pharmacies or drugstores, in the form of a syrup, under the trade names Normolax, Pentalac or Lactuliv, for example, and should be used with a pediatrician’s recommendation for breastfeeding women or children aged 1 to 5 years. Learn how to use lactulose.

2. Glycerin suppositories

Glycerin suppositories act by increasing the amount of water in the stool, making it more liquid, which stimulates the contraction movement of the intestines and evacuation. Furthermore, this remedy also lubricates and softens the stool, making it easier to eliminate.

Glycerin suppositories should not be used by children under 2 years of age, unless recommended by their pediatrician.

The suppository should be gently inserted into the anus when necessary, not exceeding one suppository per day. Learn how to apply the glycerin suppository.

3. Sorbitol and sodium lauryl sulfate

Sorbitol and sodium lauryl sulfate act to help normalize the intestinal rhythm and make feces softer and easier to eliminate.

This remedy can be found in pharmacies or drugstores, in the form of an enema, with the commercial name Minilax, and to apply, simply cut the tip of the cannula and apply it rectally, inserting it gently and compressing the tube to allow the exit of the liquid. The dose of sorbitol and sodium lauryl sulfate must be recommended by the pediatrician.

4. Milk of magnesia

Milk of magnesia is a laxative that acts by increasing water retention within the intestine, softening feces, favoring intestinal transit and the elimination of feces.

This medicine can be used by children over 2 years of age, in the doses and duration of treatment recommended by the pediatrician. However, in some cases, your pediatrician may recommend this laxative for younger children.

5. Macrogol

Macrogol is a laxative that promotes the softening of feces by increasing water retention in the intestine, leaving the feces more hydrated, facilitating their elimination.

This medicine can be used by children over 2 years old, according to the pediatrician’s recommendation and should not be used by children who have symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, intestinal colic, or in cases of intestinal obstruction or perforation.

Can mineral oil be used by babies?

Mineral oil is a type of laxative recommended for children over 6 years of age, which acts to lubricate the feces, facilitating their elimination.

This medicine should only be used with a pediatrician’s advice as it can cause irritation in the intestine and be aspirated, in addition to increasing the risk of developing pneumonia, since it is ingested orally, and therefore, should not be used by babies or children. children under 6 years old.