Key points about laxatives
- laxatives are medicines that make it easier to pass poo
- they are important for treating long-lasting constipation and poo accidents (soiling)
- the aim is for soft poo that is formed and not painful to pass
- some tamariki (children) need laxatives for several months
To learn more about symptoms and causes of constipation, see the constipation page.
Learn more about other constipation treatments.
Constipation Treatment For Children
What are laxatives?
Laxatives are medicines that make it easier to pass poo. They are important for treating long-lasting constipation and poo accidents (soiling).
How long to take laxatives
Some tamariki need to take laxatives for several months. Some only need them for a short time. You can use laxatives for as long as your child needs them.
The aim of laxatives is for your child to have soft poo that is formed and not painful to pass.
When using laxatives for several months, you may need to adjust the dose over time. Your health professional can talk to you about this.
Stopping laxatives early can lead to ongoing constipation.
Often, tamariki get sick of taking medicine, or they don't like the taste. You can try putting it in their usual milk, yoghurt, or other food. You can also ask your health professional about an alternative laxative.
How laxatives work
There are 2 main types of laxatives:
- poo softeners - make poo softer and easier to pass
- stimulants - help the bowel to push the poo out
Common laxatives
Lactulose, sodium picosulphate and macrogol are the most common and most effective medicines for tamariki with constipation.
Lactulose - a poo softener
Lactulose is a liquid. It is the most common medicine for constipation in tamariki. It may taste better if you chill it or mix it with some juice or milk. Make sure your child brushes their teeth after their lactulose.
Sodium picosulphate - a poo softener
Sodium picosulphate is a liquid medicine that you give to your child as drops. It may be easier for your child to take than other laxatives.
Sodium Picosulphate For Constipation
Macrogol - a poo softener
Macrogol is a powder you mix with liquid. It can be helpful for older tamariki with very hard or impacted poo.
Coloxyl drops - a poo softener
These drops are useful for pēpi and tamariki under 3 years of age. You can add the drops to their bottle for bottle-fed pēpi.
Magnesium hydroxide - a poo softener and mild stimulant
Another name for this is 'milk of magnesia'. This may be helpful for constipation in some situations.
Senna - a stimulant
Senna comes as a tablet. Your child may have runny poo or stomach cramps if the dose is high. Giving senna at night may reduce cramping and encourage a poo in the morning. You need to give senna with plenty of water to make it work properly. Senna is not for long-term use.
Enemas and suppositories for constipation
A health professional may recommend an enema or suppository. You give these medicines into the bottom (rectum). These medicines help to empty the lower bowel and work quite quickly.
