Your gp will explain how and when to use the medicine to help ease your baby s constipation.
Constipation medicine for babies uk.
Data sources include ibm watson micromedex updated 2 sep 2020 cerner multum updated 1 sep 2020 wolters kluwer updated.
A review of childhood constipation and its management as a whole is outwith the scope of this platform and is covered comprehensively by nice guidance 1 rather the focus here will be idiopathic constipation in babies up to the age of 1 year particularly in relation to infant feeding.
Laxatives made from a malt barley extract maltsupex or psyllium powder metamucil can soften.
He may recommend medication to ease your baby s constipation nice 2015b most likely a laxative containing macrogol or lactulose nice 2015b.
You may notice a difference within a few days.
Macrogols also called polyethylene glycols are a type of laxative that pulls fluid into the bowel keeping the stools faeces soft.
Simple changes to your child s diet and potty training can help treat constipation.
In general try not to worry too much if your baby becomes constipated.
Laxatives for children commonly come either as sachets or a powder that is made up into a drink or as liquid syrup.
Over the counter laxatives for babies over 6 months may be helpful when other techniques do not work.
Make changes to your child s diet.
The longer your child is constipated the more difficult it can be for them to get back to normal so make sure you get help early.
If your baby is formula fed you can offer them extra drinks of water between feeds.
The treatment for constipation depends on your child s age.
Acute constipation 1 3 weeks generally precipitated by transient illness eg viral or febrile illness ensure adequate fluid intake good diet and may need lactulose or movicol laxido cosmocol for a short period of 1 week followed by gp review and reassessment thereafter.
Primary care diagnosis and management of idiopathic constipation in infants.
This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice diagnosis or treatment.
Treatment starts with education of parents carers and children as appropriate for age.
As with adults exercise and movement tend to stimulate a baby s bowels.
These are rich in fibre.
Home remedies for constipation in a baby include.
Constipation may be acute or chronic.
Sometimes it takes a few weeks before their symptoms improve.
Preventing constipation in babies once your baby is between four to six months old you can start introducing more porridge and fruit or vegetable purées into their diet.
