Constipation is a very common problem in infants because their digestive system is not yet well developed, many mothers complain that their baby has cramps, hard, dry stools, intestinal discomfort and difficulty defecating, which is often the reason to take the child to the doctor..
The best option in these cases is to have a proper diet high in fiber, give the baby plenty of water and if none of these methods is enough to improve the problem, it may be necessary to give a medicine to the baby, which should always be recommended by the doctor.
A wide variety of laxatives are available in pharmacies, but few can be used safely in infants:
Lactulose is a sugar that is not absorbed by the intestine, but is metabolized at this point, causing fluid to build up in the intestine, softening the stool and thus facilitating its elimination.Examples of medicines that have lactulose in their composition are Normalax or Pentalac, for example.
Generally, the recommended dose is 5 ml of syrup per day for infants under one year of age and 5 to 10 ml per day for children between 1 and 5 years old.
Glycerin suppositories work by increasing the amount of water in the stool, making them more liquid, which stimulates contraction and evacuation of the intestine.In addition, this remedy also lubricates and softens stool, making them easier to remove.Learn more about this medicine, which should not be used and what are the most common side effects.
The suppository should be gently inserted into the anus, if necessary, without exceeding one suppository per day.
Minilax enema contains sodium sorbitol and laurilsulfate in its composition, which help normalize the intestinal rhythm and make stool softer and easier to remove.
To apply the enema, simply cut the end of the cannula and apply it rectally, gently inserting it and compressing the tube to allow the liquid to escape.
There are still laxatives that can be given to children, such as magnesia milk, mineral oil or macrogol, for example, but manufacturers of these drugs recommend their use only for children over 2 years of age, however, in some cases, the doctor may recommend these laxatives for young children.
Also learn about home remedies that can help treat constipation in your baby.