Evidence supporting the use of: Polyethylene glycol
For the health condition: Constipation (children)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 5
Polyethylene Glycol for Constipation in Children: Evidence Synopsis
Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is a well-established, scientifically validated treatment for constipation in children. PEG is an osmotic laxative that works by retaining water in the stool, thereby softening it and increasing the frequency of bowel movements. Multiple randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and systematic reviews support its efficacy and safety in pediatric populations.
A 2014 systematic review and meta-analysis published in Pediatrics concluded that PEG is more effective than placebo and as effective or superior to other laxatives such as lactulose and milk of magnesia for treating functional constipation in children. The review highlighted that PEG improved stool frequency and consistency with minimal side effects, most commonly mild gastrointestinal symptoms.
In addition, the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (NASPGHAN) and the European Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN) guidelines recommend PEG as first-line therapy for pediatric constipation, reflecting a consensus based on robust evidence.
PEG is available in various formulations (with or without electrolytes), and its effectiveness does not appear to be significantly affected by the presence of electrolytes in otherwise healthy children. Adverse effects are generally mild, with rare reports of abdominal pain, bloating, or diarrhea.
Overall, the use of polyethylene glycol for constipation in children is strongly supported by scientific evidence, and it is widely recommended by clinical guidelines and pediatric specialists.
More about Polyethylene glycol
More about Constipation (children)
Other ingredients used for Constipation (children)
2'-Fucosyllactosealoe vera
apple
apricot
bacillus coagulans
bamboo
basil
beet
myrobalan
bifidobacterium bifidum
bifidobacterium breve
bifidobacterium infantis
bifidobacterium lactis
bifidobacterium longum
bio ecolian (proprietary)
blackberry
blueberry
bасора
carrot
chamomile
chicory
cinnamon
citrus sinensis (proprietary)
coconut milk
Coptis chinensis
cowage seed
cucumber
turmeric
d-sorbitol
fennel
fiber blend (proprietary)
fructooligosaccharides (FOS)
fruit and vegetable blend (proprietary)
grape
green banana
guar gum
cellulose
Indian tinospora
inulin
isomalto-oligosaccharide
jujube
lactobacillus brevis
lactobacillus bulgaricus
lactobacillus gasseri
lactobacillus reuteri
lemon
mannitol
moringa
nettle
orange
pear
phellodendron amurense
pineapple
plum fruit
pomegranate
potato starch
prebiotic blend (proprietary)
prune
psyllium
pumpkin
raspberry
rhizome
slippery elm bark
sorbitol
spinach
streptococcus thermophilus
tomato
triphala
almond fruit
vegetable and fruit blend (proprietary)
seaweed
watermelon
squawvine
cascara sagrada
tangerine
atractylodes
papaya
mugwort
Indian bael
nut grass
alpinia galangal
anise
punarnava
blackboard tree
root tuber
dioscorea
dodder
sweet flag
polyphenols
senna
peach
indigo leaves
soursop
Agar
Anthraquinone
Ardisia
Amomum
Alexandrian senna
Aloin
Appleblossom Cassia
Asam gelugor
Asteracea
Arabinoxylan
Allium tuberosum
Amor seco
Atractylone
Black Seed
Bifidobacterium
Bifidobacterium adolescentis
Bidens pilosa
Broussonetia
Bishop's Weed
Belleric myrobalan
Bran
Bitter Grass
Bael
Butternut
black salt
Bifidobacterium animalis
Bee products
Bombax
Borassus Palm
Bacteria
Bifidobacteria
Bacillus
Bassia scoparia
Bottle gourd
Borneol
Coconut
Curry leaf
Cascaroside
Cactus
Cynomorium
Citrus
Cantaloupe
Cyclanthera pedata
Chenopodium
Curcuma
Cabbage
Chirata
Clostridium butyricum
Castor Oil
Celosia
Currant
Chondrus
Dianthrone
Date
Eclipta
Fig
Fiber
Galangal
Phosphate Salt
Rhubarb
Wheat
Zucchini
Other health conditions supported by Polyethylene glycol
Colon (atonic)Colon (spastic)
Constipation (adults)
Constipation (children)
Irritable Bowel Syndrome