![]() ![]() Stimulant Laxative Examples: Ex-Lax, Senokot, Dulcolax They are fast-acting but like saline laxatives, they can cause dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. This type of laxative stimulates contractions and movement in the gut. Saline Laxative Examples: Fleet, Milk of Magnesia Stimulant Laxatives This type of laxative can cause dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. Similar to the functioning of other laxatives described above, saline laxatives pull water into the gut and soften the stool. Hyperosmotic Laxative Examples: Colace, Miralax Saline Laxatives ![]() These also draw more water into the gut and allow stool to pass more readily. It also helps the stool pass through the gut easier.Įxample: Mineral oil Hyperosmotic Laxatives ![]() ![]() These coat the stool with an oil (ie, mineral oil), preventing water loss. The stool gets larger, which stimulates the gut to contract and pass the stool.īulk Forming Laxative Examples: Metamucil, Citrucel, Benefiber Lubricant Laxatives These form a gel-like substance in the GI tract, which will hold more water in the stool. Some laxatives work on the gut and some work on the stool itself. Laxatives: Understanding this Type of Stool Softener There are several different types of laxatives that may help relieve constipation. It’s important to note that a stool softener is just one type of laxative. Generally, stool softeners work by pulling liquids into the digestive tract, which is absorbed into the stool, making it wetter and easier to pass. Situations where children hold their bowel movements can encourage constipation. Older kids may not feel comfortable going number #2 at school and not having regular bowel movements contributes to a greater risk of constipation. Toddlers may not want to defecate because hard stools are painful. Last, abdominal pain and the fear of pooping are drivers for some kids. Irritable bowel syndrome, constipation type (IBS-C) is another medical condition whereby certain foods –some of which could be high fiber foods – cause constipation. Why Do Kids Get Constipated?įrom my perspective, a low-fiber diet or not getting enough grams of fiber in the diet, not getting enough water, and lack of regular exercise each play a large role in this scenario.īut there are other reasons for constipation, such as Hirschprung’s disease, a condition where the nerve cells at the end of the bowel are missing, causing blockage because the stool doesn’t pass normally. This is where stool softener foods can help.īut before we dive into stool softener foods, you need to understand a few things about constipated kids. While I am not opposed to the use of laxatives or other medications to relieve constipation, I believe we should make an attempt to improve children’s diets and other lifestyle behaviors first. Many parents I meet with, however, are anxious to use a more natural approach to constipation management and avoid or eliminate over-the-counter medications like Miralax. It brings more water into the intestines, triggering a bowel movement. Miralax, or polyethlylene glycol 3350, is a stimulant laxative. As a pediatric dietitian, I’ve seen many kids with constipation using Miralax to help them move their bowels regularly. ![]()
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