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Can Movicol Laxative Be Given Long Term To A Child To Regularise Bowel Movements?
Hello My 3 year old son has moderate milk, egg allergies which I ve keep him off those foods. His reaction to the allergenic foods was constipation. He had been on movicol laxative for over a year now. Without this daily laxative he dies not go for nearly 4 to 5 days so I have to give him sachets to go nearly daily. Surely if the milk and egg White has been taken out of his diet, then he should be going to the toilet normally. It feels as if he is not bothered to go for a poo unless the movicol is given. How will his bowel go back to normal and work by itself? Thanks worried mum
posted on
Thu, 16 Apr 2015
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Thu, 4 May 2023
Answered on
Wed, 10 Dec 2025
Last reviewed on
Hi,
Movicol is a laxative that is commonly used to treat constipation in both adults and children. It works by increasing the water content and volume of the stool, making it easier to pass. While it can be used long-term, it is important to discuss this with your child's doctor to ensure it is safe and appropriate for your child's specific situation.
In some cases, dietary changes alone may not be enough to treat constipation in children, especially if they have a history of allergies that contribute to the problem. Movicol may be necessary to help regulate bowel movements and prevent discomfort and complications associated with chronic constipation.
However, it is also important to address any underlying issues that may be contributing to constipation, such as poor hydration, lack of fiber in the diet, or other medical conditions. Your child's doctor can help you develop a comprehensive treatment plan that includes dietary changes, medication management, and other therapies as needed.
It is also important to monitor your child's bowel movements and overall health while taking Movicol or any other medication long term. Regular follow-up appointments with your child's doctor can help ensure that the treatment is effective and safe and that any potential side effects or complications are addressed promptly.
If you require a personalized response, kindly use the Ask A Doctor service and post a follow-up. Take care. Hope I have answered your question.
Regards,
Dr. Priyanka, General & Family Physician
Movicol is a laxative that is commonly used to treat constipation in both adults and children. It works by increasing the water content and volume of the stool, making it easier to pass. While it can be used long-term, it is important to discuss this with your child's doctor to ensure it is safe and appropriate for your child's specific situation.
In some cases, dietary changes alone may not be enough to treat constipation in children, especially if they have a history of allergies that contribute to the problem. Movicol may be necessary to help regulate bowel movements and prevent discomfort and complications associated with chronic constipation.
However, it is also important to address any underlying issues that may be contributing to constipation, such as poor hydration, lack of fiber in the diet, or other medical conditions. Your child's doctor can help you develop a comprehensive treatment plan that includes dietary changes, medication management, and other therapies as needed.
It is also important to monitor your child's bowel movements and overall health while taking Movicol or any other medication long term. Regular follow-up appointments with your child's doctor can help ensure that the treatment is effective and safe and that any potential side effects or complications are addressed promptly.
If you require a personalized response, kindly use the Ask A Doctor service and post a follow-up. Take care. Hope I have answered your question.
Regards,
Dr. Priyanka, General & Family Physician
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