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Some laxative remedies, such as lactulose, glycerin suppository and sorbitol, may be indicated by pediatricians for the treatment of constipation in the baby, as they help to soften stools and increase bowel movements, facilitating 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 food after 6 months of life. life, or to unfurl.
These laxative remedies should only be used as indicated by the pediatrician after evaluating the symptoms and diagnosing the cause of constipation. Check out the main causes of constipation in babies.
The main laxative remedies considered safe and that can be indicated by the pediatrician are:
1. Lactulose
Lactulose is a sugar that is not absorbed by the intestine, but is metabolized there, causing fluid 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 syrup, with the trade names Normolax, Pentalac or Lactuliv, for example, and should be used with pediatrician indication by lactating women or children from 1 to 5 years old. Learn how to use lactulose.
2. Glycerin Suppositories
Glycerin suppositories work by increasing the amount of water in the stool, making it more liquid, which stimulates bowel movement and bowel movement. In addition, this remedy also lubricates and softens the stool, making it easier to pass.
Glycerin suppository should not be used by children under 2 years of age unless recommended by a 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 help to normalize the intestinal rhythm and make stools softer and easier to be eliminated.
This remedy can be found in pharmacies or drugstores, in the form of an enema, with the trade name Minilax, and to apply, just cut the tip of the cannula and apply rectally, inserting it gently and compressing the tube to allow the liquid to escape. The dose of sorbitol and sodium lauryl sulfate should be recommended by the pediatrician.
4. Milk of Magnesia
Milk of magnesia is a laxative that acts by increasing water retention inside the intestine, softening stools, favoring intestinal transit and stool elimination.
This remedy can be used by children over 2 years old, in the doses and for the duration of treatment recommended by the pediatrician. However, in some cases, the pediatrician may recommend this laxative for younger children.
5. Macrogol
Macrogol is a laxative that promotes stool softening, by increasing water retention by the intestine, leaving the stool more hydrated, facilitating its elimination.
This remedy 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 obstruction or perforation intestinal.
Can mineral oil be used by babies?
Mineral oil is a type of laxative suitable for children over 6 years of age, which lubricates the stool, facilitating its elimination.
This medicine should only be used with the pediatrician's indication 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, it should not be be used by babies or children under 6 years.
