Child Health/Common paediatric GP drugs

Common paediatric drugs (constipation / worms / reflux)

also: macrogol · Movicol · mebendazole · threadworm · Gaviscon · ranitidine

Overview

High-frequency primary-care paediatric prescriptions — childhood constipation, threadworm, and infant reflux.

Mechanism

Macrogol (polyethylene glycol) is an osmotic laxative — retains water in the stool (disimpaction then maintenance). Mebendazole inhibits helminth microtubule formation (β-tubulin) → worm death. Alginates (Gaviscon) form a raft on stomach contents; PPIs/H2 blockers reduce acid for significant reflux.

Indications

Childhood constipation (macrogol)
Threadworm / enterobiasis (mebendazole)
Infant gastro-oesophageal reflux (feed measures ± alginate/PPI)

The agents

Macrogol (Movicol Paediatric)osmotic laxative

disimpaction → maintenance

First-line childhood constipation (NICE CG99).

Mebendazoleanthelmintic

single dose, repeat 2 wk

Treat the WHOLE household + hygiene measures; hygiene-only if <6 months/pregnant.

Alginate / PPIreflux

Most infant reflux is physiological — reassure + feeding advice first.

Adverse effects

Macrogol: bloating, cramps, diarrhoeacommon

Mebendazole: GI upset (well tolerated)common

PPI overuse in physiological refluxcommon

Avoid treating normal posseting.

Cautions & contraindications

Mebendazole in pregnancy / <6 monthspaediatric

Use hygiene measures alone.

Macrogol in intestinal obstruction/perforationall

Interactions

Monitoring & kinetics

Constipation: stool diary, response; reflux: weight/feeding

Oral. Constipation: continue maintenance for weeks after regular bowel habit established (don't stop early).

Source: NICE CG99 — Constipation in children · BNF for Children — Laxatives / anthelmintics