What are the recommended first-line treatments for managing constipation in children?

First-line treatments for managing constipation in children include the use of oral laxatives, specifically macrogol (Movicol® Paediatric Plain), which is recommended as the initial treatment for maintenance therapy because it works quickly, is easy to titrate, well tolerated, and can have flavor added to improve adherence ¹.

In cases of faecal impaction, an oral laxative regimen with polyethylene glycol 3350 + electrolytes using an escalating dose is advised as first-line treatment for disimpaction, with the option to add a stimulant laxative if disimpaction is not achieved after 2 weeks ².