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These small tips demonstrate very effective ways to help relieve constipation in 2-year-old children. Parents can incorporate additional home remedies to enhance effectiveness. If the child's constipation persists or recurs frequently, using medication is a suitable option.
2. Choosing constipation medication for 2-year-olds
Treating constipation in children with medication is necessary when the condition lasts for several days and causes discomfort. In many cases, medication is used to quickly resolve impacted stool in the rectum. This is often referred to as 'cleanout' treatment. Parents can consider the following groups of constipation medications for 2-year-olds:
2.1. Lactulose stool softener medication
Medication can be in liquid form or as a powder mixed with water. This is one of the most common types of constipation medication for 2-year-old children. To make it easier to swallow, parents can mix the medication with fruit juice or milk for the child. And be sure that the child brushes their teeth after taking medication containing Lactulose.
Lactulose is used for children with constipation and hard, dry stool
Dosage: For 2-year-olds, use 3g (or 5ml)/day divided into 2 doses.
Side effects: During use, children may experience unwanted effects such as diarrhea, bloating, abdominal pain, nausea, etc.
Note: Limit the use of Lactulose in children with lactose intolerance. If the child experiences diarrhea, the dosage should be reduced or the medication stopped.
Drug names: Lactulose, Duphalac, Lazilac,...
2.2. Stimulant laxative medication Sodium picosulfate
This is a type of constipation medication for 2-year-old children that is very easy to use. Because this medication is virtually tasteless, it is easier to swallow than other laxatives. The medication is usually produced in liquid form for oral consumption.
After ingestion, the medication increases bowel motility by stimulating nerve fibers. This enhances bowel movements and retains more water in the intestines. The effects typically occur after 10-12 hours. At that time, the child begins to feel the urge to defecate.
Dosage: 2-year-olds take 1 dose of 2.5mg/day, taken before bedtime.
Side effects: Children may experience abdominal pain, diarrhea, and low blood potassium levels during the use of Sodium picosulfate medication.
Note: Avoid using the medication for more than 8 days, prolonged use may be dangerous for the child. If the child exhibits symptoms such as muscle weakness, cramps, low blood pressure (symptoms of low blood potassium), discontinue medication and take the child to the hospital.
Drug names: Ducolax, Picotex, Pictas, Regulax,...
2.3. Macrogol osmotic laxative medication
Macrogol is a type of constipation medication suitable for 2-year-olds when they have hard and dry stool. Medications containing Macrogol are often produced in powder form to be mixed with water.
Constipation medication for 2-year-olds is often produced in powder form to be mixed with water
Macrogol can improve bowel movement frequency and make it easier for children to defecate. The effectiveness of this medication sometimes surpasses that of Lactulose. Typically, after about 24-48 hours, children will feel the urge to defecate.
Dosage: 1 sachet/day. Dissolve in 1 glass of water
Side effects: Nausea, vomiting, and abdominal discomfort may occur when children start using the medication.
Drug names: Macrogol, Forlax, Constipass, Akigol, Solostin,...
2.4. Docusate stool softener medication
Docusate is a type of constipation medication for 2-year-olds in cases of mild constipation. The medication is usually produced in liquid form or syrup. It is suitable for children with hard stool and discomfort during bowel movements.
Docusate helps increase water absorption into the stool and soften it. They also stimulate bowel activity more effectively. Therefore, children will feel the urge to defecate and defecate more easily. The medication typically takes effect within 12-72 hours after ingestion.
Docusate constipation medication for 2-year-olds typically takes effect within 12-72 hours
Dosage: For 2-year-olds, each dose is 12.5mg, to be taken 3 times a day.
Side effects: Nausea, throat irritation, diarrhea, abdominal pain,... are possible unwanted effects when using the medication. However, they are quite rare.
Note: When taking the liquid form, mix with 120ml of milk or fruit juice to reduce bitterness and throat irritation. During medication use, ensure the child drinks plenty of water. Do not use the medication for more than 7 days.
Drug names: Diocto, Pedia-Lax,...
2.5. Senna stimulant laxative medication
Senna constipation medication for 2-year-olds is quite commonly used because they are derived from herbs. Typically, the medication will start to take effect within 6-12 hours after ingestion. The medication increases bowel motility and enhances water retention in the rectum to soften stool. It can be said that Senna provides effective results while being gentle.
Dosage: For 2-year-olds, medication use should be guided by a doctor.
Side effects: The medication may cause intestinal cramping but is very rare.
3. When should you use constipation medication for 2-year-olds?
When researching constipation medication for 2-year-olds, many parents wonder about the duration of medication use. Experts suggest using stool softeners for children until constipation disappears. Young children often need stool softeners for many months to several years rather than just a few weeks. However, these stool softeners may include products derived from herbal sources or probiotic supplements.
The ideal scenario is to use stool softeners until your child can have a bowel movement once with soft stool and without pain every day.
Use constipation medication for 2-year-olds until the child can have normal bowel movements again
In summary, constipation medication for 2-year-olds can be a good choice if parents understand and use it correctly. Along with medication, maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle for the child is essential to overcome constipation.
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