Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Flexible and made to last.

Meet the Other Phone.
Flexible and made to last.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Children's health

Mumsnet doesn't verify the qualifications of users. If you have medical concerns, please consult a healthcare professional.

Original poster

Constipation

5 replies

harktheherold · 12/01/2023 20:53

Can any experienced MNers help we figure out how to administer Movicol properly with my child? I've already spoken with the GP and pharmacist, and read the directions on the box, but I'm still not clear on how I'm supposed to stop the medication.

DC had constipation for several days. We got checked by the GP who prescribed Movicol. I gave the recommended dose for day 1 and that resulted in an almighty poo - delivered painfully but provided lots of relief.

Does that mean we can just stop the Movicol, or am I meant to keep giving it? The leaflet (and the ERIC website) suggests that treatment is meant to continue for a prolonged period of time to ensure everything is cleared out and to prevent recurrence. But I'm not sure if that advice only applies to more serious/chronic cases?

Grateful for any help before I bother the GP again

OP posts:
IwillrunIwillfly · 12/01/2023 22:02

Generally long term use is only needed if there has been long term constipation, if it was only a couple of days you possibly don't need this. You say his poo was painful, was that because it was very large/hard? If so he would possibly benefit from continuing a bit longer. I'd give the same dose daily until he is passing a soft poo every day without having to strain hard. If you look up Bristol stool chart this will give you an idea of what you're looking for. Once he's going every day, half the dose each day until he's not on anymore (e.g. if you're giving 2 sachets, give 1 sachet then 1/2 sachet then stop). Keep an eye on his poos and if he start having harder poo/ not going, go back up a step. Obviously, if the gp has given different info follow that but that's what we would advise.

Make sure he's drinking plenty as well, can be a common cause of constipation!

Original poster
harktheherold · 12/01/2023 22:12

IwillrunIwillfly · 12/01/2023 22:02

Generally long term use is only needed if there has been long term constipation, if it was only a couple of days you possibly don't need this. You say his poo was painful, was that because it was very large/hard? If so he would possibly benefit from continuing a bit longer. I'd give the same dose daily until he is passing a soft poo every day without having to strain hard. If you look up Bristol stool chart this will give you an idea of what you're looking for. Once he's going every day, half the dose each day until he's not on anymore (e.g. if you're giving 2 sachets, give 1 sachet then 1/2 sachet then stop). Keep an eye on his poos and if he start having harder poo/ not going, go back up a step. Obviously, if the gp has given different info follow that but that's what we would advise.

Make sure he's drinking plenty as well, can be a common cause of constipation!

Thank you that's really helpful!

OP posts:
Bobbybobbins · 12/01/2023 22:18

Excellent advice above

BabyST · 13/01/2023 09:25

How old is your child? Maybe a weeks worth of Movicol would be good to just ensure their system is running well after the period of constipation

Original poster
harktheherold · 14/01/2023 00:02

Thanks for the support everyone. I never expected a mild case of constipation to cause such stress!

My child is 5. We've just finished 2 days of Movicol and it's been very effective. The first megapoo on day 1 was really hard and lumpy and caused a lot of pain which DC is still feeling ☹️ but everything is moving much more easily now. I plan to maintain the same dose for another couple of days at least and then reassess. Thank god for Movicol

OP posts:
New posts on this thread. Refresh page
Swipe left for the next trending thread