Anyone know how much lactulose you can give a 3 year old?

[WhatFreshHellIsThis]

DS1 (3yo) is having trouble with poos - he's currently taking 15ml of lactulose every morning plus as much fluids, dried fruit and kiwis as we can get into him, but he's still holding onto his poo and getting constipated.

He's on the max dosage of lactulose according to the bottle label, but when I last spoke to the doctor he said 15 ml was a 'conservative dose'. I'd like to up the dose if possible, does anyone know if he can have more than that?

bump

my dd used to have 2 spoons am and pm at this age so 20ml I think. I don't think you can overdose - but I'm not an expert - my understanding it is not a medicine as such just very sugary solution that attracts water to it as it goes through the gut and therefore sofdrtens the poo. With my DD the key was undoubtedly fluids and time - took a couple of years to finally sort the problem and move to pooing on toilet (associated issue). You have my sympathies.

Hi WFH!

The dosing recommendations for children are basically to start low and gradually increase to desired effect - though this is not licensed/ officially approved by the manufacturer, it is routine in practice. Try adding in an early evening dose of 10mLs, and give it 2-3 days. You'll know if it's too much if everything goes the other way! Lucysmum is right - it retains water in the bowel to keep the stools soft and more bulky, so the plenty of fluids thing is important. Movicol works in same way.

Good luck!

Hi Juwesm!

Yah boo sucks to horrid cold