Laxatives The Colorectal Center at Primary Children’s Medical Center recommends laxatives to prevent and manage constipation. There are many different types of laxatives. At our center we use a laxative called Ex‐lax or Senna. Ex‐lax(Senna,Sennosides) A plant product used to treat constipation HowDoesitWork? It stimulates the muscles of the intestine, which helps your child to have a bowel movement. Howisthismedicationgiven?      The amount of laxative used will be determined by your medical team by trial and error. The goal is to have your child produce soft stool. You do not want hard stool. You do not want diarrhea. The medication works best if given at the same time every day. It usually takes 6‐12 hours to have a bowel movement after the medication is taken. If one day goes by and your child does not have a bowel movement, it means he has not had enough laxative food or medication. You must give an enema to remove the stool from the rectum and increase the amount of laxatives. This medication needs to be given with Pectin. Your medical team will review the dose with you. SideEffects:   Abdominal pain, nausea, and cramps are normal. They should go away after your child has a bowel movement. Diarrhea. If your child has diarrhea you need to decrease the amount of laxatives. DosageForms: This medicine is available in a tablet, chewable square, and liquid. Generic forms are available as well. Ex‐lax Square Senna Liquid 15mg 8.8mg/ 5mL Fletcher’s Children’s Laxative Ex‐lax tablet 8.8mg/1mL 33.3mg/1mL 15mg Little Tummies Ex‐lax Max Strength Tablet 25mg Senokot Tablet Senekot Extra 8.6mg 17mg