Over-the-Counter Medications for Kids – Part 2: Constipation, Gas/Indigestion And Probiotics
Wellness
Kids' over-the-counter medication: Constipation and indigestion
When it comes to children’s health, digestive issues can be a frequent challenge, causing discomfort for kids and concern for parents. Constipation, gas and indigestion can disrupt daily routines, but the good news is that many over-the-counter (OTC) remedies are available to help. This second part of our OTC medication series (see part 1 for fever, allergy and cold medications) explores safe and effective OTC medications for children dealing with constipation and indigestion, as well as how probiotics can support overall digestive health. Understanding the right solutions for your child’s age and symptoms is key to providing relief and ensuring their well-being.
Constipation and kids
Constipation is a common issue for children and can lead to discomfort, irritability and even pain. It occurs when bowel movements become infrequent or difficult to pass, often caused by dehydration, low fiber intake or changes in routine. Constipation happens when stool (“poop”) moves too slowly through the digestive tract, leading to hard, dry stools that are harder to expel. Constipation in kids can occur due to a variety of factors, such as inadequate water intake; diets lacking fruits, vegetables and whole grains; lack of physical activity; or even withholding bowel movements due to fear of discomfort. Certain medications or changes in the child’s environment, like stress from travel or starting school, can also contribute to constipation. Emotions play a big role in constipation in kids as well. Understanding your child and addressing constipation with appropriate lifestyle adjustments and treatment options can help.
Signs and symptoms of constipation in kids
While your child’s norm may vary, here are some general signs and symptoms of constipation to be on the lookout for:
- Less than 3 bowel movements a week
- Hard, dry and difficult to pass bowel movements
- Stomach pain or pain during a bowel movement
- Traces of liquid or pasty stool in your child’s underwear (which may mean stool is backed up in the rectum)
- Blood on stool surface
- Avoidance of bowel movements for fear of pain
OTC constipation medication for kids
Encouraging healthy habits like drinking plenty of water, eating fiber-rich foods (see food ideas in this guide) and maintaining a regular bathroom routine can help prevent constipation in the long run. When increasing your child’s fiber and fluid intake and scheduling toilet time after meals doesn’t help or doesn’t help enough, children may need additional therapy to improve their symptoms. OTC remedies, such as stool softeners or gentle laxatives, can provide temporary relief by helping to soften the stool or stimulate bowel movements. However, it’s important to choose age-appropriate products and consult a pediatrician if the problem persists.
Constipation medications: Laxatives for kids
Constipation medications for kids that help relieve symptoms are called laxatives, and they’re available in oral (liquid and tablets) and rectal (suppository and enema) forms. Four different types of laxatives are commonly used: stool softeners, osmotic laxatives, lubricant laxatives and stimulant laxatives. Although stool softeners and laxatives may have different active ingredient(s), multiple laxatives should not be given together unless approved by a pediatrician or pediatric gastrointestinal subspecialist. Always consult your doctor for more information about constipation medications for kids and what treatments are best for your child.
Types of laxatives for quick relief of constipation
- Lubricant laxatives coat the stool to make it more slippery and easier to pass.
- Osmotic laxatives increase the amount of water in the intestines to allow easier passage of stool.
- Stimulant laxatives stimulate the rectal muscles to help push the stool out.
- Stool softeners add moisture to the stool to allow strain-free bowel movements.
| Generic Name (Active Ingredient) | Brand Name | Additional Medication Information |
|---|---|---|
| Docusate | Colace®, Pedia-Lax® Liquid Stool Softener, Dulcolax® Stool Softener |
|
| Polyethylene glycol | Miralax® |
|
| Magnesium hydroxide | Pedia-Lax® Chewable Tablets, Phillips® Milk of Magnesia |
|
| Glycerin suppositories | Pedia-Lax® Liquid Glycerin Suppositories |
|
| Senna | Fletcher’s® Laxative for Kids |
|
| Bisacodyl | Dulcolax® Tablets, Dulcolax® Suppositories |
|
Many OTC medications for kids help constipation. The constipation medications’ dose is dependent on your child’s age, weight and constipation severity, and can be adjusted as symptoms improve or worsen. Which OTC medication is best for your child depends on their symptoms and how often they are constipated or have gas and other issues.
Typically, stool softeners and osmotic laxatives are the first-line medications used for treating short- and long-term constipation in healthy children. Although docusate and magnesium hydroxide can be taken with few side effects, polyethylene glycol (such as Miralax) tends to be the preferred choice for constipation in kids due to its imperceptible taste, texture and odor.
- Glycerin suppositories can be safely used in infants and children but should be used infrequently due to rectal and skin irritation and medication tolerance.
- Stimulant laxatives, such as senna and bisacodyl, are usually reserved for children with more severe constipation who do not respond to high-fiber diets and osmotic laxatives.
Under the guidance of a pediatrician or pediatric gastroenterologist, these constipation medications for kids are commonly used in combination with stool softeners or lubricant laxatives. Because stimulant laxatives may cause cramping, dehydration and fluid and electrolyte imbalances, these medications should not be used for long periods of time. OTC constipation medications for kids should be used occasionally, and additional lifestyle changes may need to be implemented to help constipation and the health of your child over the long term.
Natural constipation remedies for kids
In addition to changing your child’s diet, some additional natural remedies can help improve constipation symptoms:
- Yoga can help move and stimulate the digestive system through stretching poses that can also help relieve abdominal pain.
- Cognitive behavioral therapy or stress-relieving activities can help constipation symptoms by addressing stress and anxiety that may worsen symptoms
- Probiotics may help kids with constipation and work in conjunction with other constipation medications and remedies.
Kids probiotics for constipation
Probiotics, or microorganisms which may help re-establish the normal environment of the intestinal tract, are mainly derived from food sources such as cultured milk products. Numerous microorganisms, both alone and in combination, are available in many probiotics and dairy products (for example, yogurt), but none of these preparations are regulated by the FDA. Learn more about the benefits of probiotics.
Although more research is needed to clarify the role of different probiotics in treating certain illnesses, Lactobacillus GG and Saccharomyces boulardii have been shown to reduce the duration and frequency of infectious diarrhea in healthy children with normal immune systems. These microorganisms can be found in OTC children’s probiotics products, such as Culturelle® and FlorastorKids®, and may be given once or twice a day for a week.
You may need to try different variations of OTC probiotic products to determine how they impact your child’s gut health and constipation.
| Generic Name | Brand Name | Additional Product Information |
|---|---|---|
| Lactobacillus GG | Culturelle® |
|
| Lactobacillus reuteri | BioGaia Immune Active KIDS - Probiotic Chewables |
|
| Saccharomyces boulardii lyo | FlorastorKids® |
|
Gas and indigestion relief for kids
Gas and indigestion (“heartburn”) can present in many ways, including excessive crying, back arching, abdominal bloating and/or discomfort and decreased appetite. Knowing how to relieve your kids of gas pain can help their overall mood and well-being. Common causes of gas in kids include swallowing too much air, overeating, drinking soda or other carbonated beverages, lactose (or other food) intolerance, acid reflux, constipation and viral illnesses.
While these issues are often temporary, OTC medications may not always provide effective relief. Instead, addressing dietary triggers and promoting good eating habits, such as eating slowly and avoiding carbonated drinks, can help manage and prevent gas buildup.
OTC gas and indigestion medications for kids
If you want to try OTC medications for gas and indigestion, here are a few suggestions and considerations:
- Simethicone (listed in the active ingredients) can help dissolve gas bubbles and prevent gas pockets in the stomach and intestine. Although generally safe, there is little evidence to support its use in the treatment of gas, bloating and colic.
- Gripe water, an herbal remedy that is not regulated by the FDA, has no proven, beneficial effect in the treatment of hiccups, gas or colic.
- Antacid preparations are appropriate for short-term relief of indigestion in older children and adolescents with infrequent symptoms.
- Maalox®, Mylicon®, and Children’s Pepto® are some of the most well-known OTC medications available today. Active ingredients, such as aluminum hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, simethicone and calcium carbonate, either alone or in combination, are found in all these brand-name medications. The difference between each brand (and their multiple products) lies in the “recipe” of active ingredients found in each medication.
- Note: Aspirin and aspirin-containing medications should not be used in children under 16 years of age with fever or viral symptoms, for it may cause Reye Syndrome, a serious and potentially life-threatening illness.
| Generic Name | Brand Name | Additional Medication Information |
|---|---|---|
| Simethicone | Infants’ Mylicon® Drops, Little Remedies® Gas Relief Drops |
|
| Sodium bicarbonate, Zingiber officinale (ginger), Foeniculum vulgare (fennel) | Little Remedies® Gripe Water, Mommy’s Bliss® Gripe Water |
|
| Aluminum Hydroxide, Magnesium Hydroxide, Simethicone | Maalox® Advanced Regular Strength, Mylanta® Classic Regular and Maximum Strength |
|
| Calcium Carbonate | Pepto Kids tables and gummies |
|
Treating constipation at home: The bottom line
If chosen and used appropriately, childhood constipation symptoms can be safely treated with OTC medications. However, if your child has a chronic, medical illness or severe and persistent symptoms, you should always speak with your pediatrician or pediatric gastrointestinal doctor before starting any new medications. Find a Texas Children’s Pediatrics location near you.
If your child accidentally takes too much medication or the wrong medication, call the Poison Control Hotline at 1-800-222-1222, but if he/she becomes unresponsive, stops breathing and turns blue, develops seizure-like activity or appears very ill, call 911 and seek medical care immediately.
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