Insufficient fluid intake, poor diet, changes in diet, and not getting enough fiber are all leading causes of pediatric constipation. Bouts of such constipation often may be avoided if parents follow some basic dietary principles, such as increasing their child's daily ingestion of fluids and dietary fiber. Beans, whole grains, vegetables, and fruit are just some of the high-fiber foods that can be added to or increased in a child's diet to help prevent constipation.

For many years, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended using the "age plus five rule" to determine the grams of fiber needed for children. Although easy to remember, this rule is a lower recommendation than the current fiber guidelines (2):

In addition, to assure that bowel movements occur at normal intervals with good evacuation in children who have functional constipation without impaction, the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (NASPGHAN) recommends laxative use as a proactive measure for maintenance therapy (1). NASPGHAN also suggests the provision of family education, close follow-up and adjustment of medications as necessary (1).

Despite NASPGHAN's recommendations concerning laxative use, there have been limited dosing options for the pharmacologic treatment of children's constipation. To help remedy this problem, Fleet Laboratories recently introduced Pedia-Lax®—the first complete line of pediatric-specific laxative products formulated for the relief of childhood constipation.

The Pedia-Lax product line includes both oral and rectal formulations for the treatment of pediatric constipation. The products are designed with:

• Easy-to-dose, pre-measured formulas (e.g., quick dissolve strips, chewable tablets).
• Child-friendly flavors (e.g., watermelon, grape, fruit punch).
• No-mess applicators (e.g., applicator for liquid glycerin suppositories).

Pedia-Lax products can be tailored to provide gentle relief of constipation to meet the specific needs of each pediatric patient with two forms of oral delivery: fast relief (30 minutes to 12 hours) and gradual relief (1 to 3 days).

REFERENCES

1. North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition. Clinical Practice Guideline: Evaluation and treatment of constipation in infants and children. J Ped Gastroent Nutr. 2006; 43(3):e1-e13; 405-407.
2. Adapted from: Kleinman RE, editor. Carbohydrate and dietary fiber: current dietary recommendations. In: Pediatric Nutrition Handbook. 6th ed. Elk Grove Village (IL): American Academy of Pediatrics; 2009. p.353.

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