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BNSSG Paediatric Joint Formulary
1.2 Constipation and bowel cleansing
Last edited: 26-04-2024
1.2.1 Bowel cleansing preparations
First line drugs |
Second line drugs |
Specialist drugs |
Secondary care drugs |
Link to: NHSE National primary care clinical pathway for constipation in children
Magnesium-containing Drugs
Citramag® (TLS Amber Specialist Recommended)
Osmotic Laxatives
When required for bowel cleansing prior to procedures these will be prescribed by secondary care where possible. If the patient is not being seen by secondary care prior to the procedure GPs may be requested to prescribe bowel cleansing products. Prescribing guidance is available here.
Moviprep® (TLS Amber Specialist Recommended)
Stimulant Laxatives
Picolax® (TLS Amber Specialist Recommended)
Bisacodyl (TLS Blue)
Phosphate-containing Drugs
Fleet Phospho-soda® (TLS Red)
1.2.2 Constipation
Bulk-forming Laxatives
Ispaghula husk (Fybogel®) (TLS Amber Specialist Recommended)
Alternative:
Sterculia / Frangula (Normacol plus®) (TLS Blue)
Specific indication:
Methylcellulose (TLS Blue)
- For high output ileostomies
- Adequate fluid intake must be maintained to avoid intestinal obstruction
Magnesium-containing Drugs
Magnesium Hydroxide mixture BP (TLS Green)
Osmotic Laxatives
Macrogol oral powder, compound (Paediatric strength) (TLS Green)
- For patients under 12 as a laxative and for faecal impaction
Macrogol oral powder, compound ('Half-strength' or 'Full-strength') (TLS Green)
- For patients over 12 as a laxative and for faecal impaction
Lactulose (TLS Green)
- See BNFc for dosage and licensed indications
- May take at least 48 hours to be effective
Phosphate-containing Drugs
Phosphate enema (TLS Red)
Sodium citrate enema (TLS Amber Specialist Recommended)
Softening Drugs
Arachis oil enema (TLS Red)
- Arachis oil enemas contain peanut oil - use is contraindicated in patients with peanut allergy
Stimulant Laxatives
Senna (TLS Green)
Glycerol (Glycerin) suppositories (TLS Green)
Alternatives:
Sodium picosulfate (TLS Blue)
Bisacodyl (TLS Blue)
Docusate sodium (oral) (TLS Blue)
Note: Long-term use of stimulant laxatives is not advised due to the potential for damaging the large bowel and the loss of muscle tone in the colon.