What are Stimulant Laxatives for Kids?

Stimulant laxatives are commonly used medications to alleviate constipation by promoting bowel movements through stimulation of the intestinal muscles. Let’s review how stimulant laxatives work along with common examples and considerations for their potential use in kids.

What Are Stimulant Laxatives?

Stimulant laxatives work by stimulating the nerves in the intestines, leading to increased muscular contractions and bowel movements. They are typically used for short-term relief of constipation and are available in various forms, including oral tablets, liquid solutions, and suppositories.

Examples of Stimulant Laxatives

Bisacodyl: Bisacodyl is a commonly used stimulant laxative available in oral tablet and suppository forms. It works by directly stimulating the nerves in the intestines, leading to increased bowel movements. Bisacodyl is often used for occasional constipation relief in kids.

Senna: Senna is a natural stimulant laxative derived from the leaves of the Senna plant. It is available in various formulations, including oral tablets, liquid solutions, and herbal teas. Senna works by stimulating the muscles in the intestines, promoting bowel movements, and is commonly used to treat constipation in kids.

Comparison Chart of Stimulant Laxatives

Summary

Stimulant laxatives, such as bisacodyl and senna, work by stimulating the intestines to increase muscular contractions and promote bowel movements. They are commonly used for short-term relief of constipation in kids and are available in various formulations, making them versatile options for managing gastrointestinal issues.

References

• Candy DCA, Edwards D, Geraint M. Treatment of constipation in older people. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2015;(2):CD00351.
• American Academy of Pediatrics. Constipation in Children. Pediatrics. 2016;138(6):e2019-e2031.
• Muir JG, Rose R, Rosella O, et al. Measurement of short-chain carbohydrates in common Australian vegetables and fruits by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. 2009;57(2):554-565.

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