A child is having difficulty with constipation; the physician would rather prescribe a stool softener than give the child a laxative. The order for the child, who weighs 46 lb, is to be based on the adult dose of 100 mg/kg/day at bedtime. The physician orders 1gm po qd.

Your provider will select two medicines to help with your child’s constipation:

a stool softener and a stimulant laxative. Most stool medicines can be bought

over the counter at your local pharmacy without a prescription. Higher-dosed

stimulant laxatives are by prescription.

Both medicines are taken for an initial 3-day cleanout. This 3-day treatment

can be repeated every 2 weeks as needed until you get the desired results.

In addition, as maintenance, your child will take a daily dose of stool softener

for several months to a year.

If your child is in a lot of distress, and is old enough, an enema can be added to

the cleanout.

These instructions are to be used with guidance from your child’s primary

healthcare provider or GI provider who prescribes these medicines. Check with

your healthcare provider first before giving any type of medicine to your child.

Explanation:

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