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What can you do for constipation in your newborn?
Feed him Maltsupex. It works every time, and is the un-constipator. -------- First thing to do is to consider the diet of the baby. There may be reasons that the baby is constipated. You can consider a teaspoon of cod liver oil and see what happens in 24 hours but if a baby goes more than 4 days without a bowel movement it is a medical emergency and they MUST be seen at a hospital as a matter of true urgency! (I am a doctor)
Laxative overdose?
DefinitionA laxative is a medication used to produce bowel movements. Laxative overdoseoccurs when someone accidentally or intentionally takes more than the normal or recommended amount of this medication.Most laxative overdoses in children are accidental. However, some people abuse laxatives by regularly taking overdoses in an effort to lose weight.This is for information only and not for use in the treatment or management of an actual poison exposure. If you have an exposure, you should call your local emergency number (such as 911) or the National Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.Alternative NamesLaxative abusePoisonous IngredientBisacodylCarboxymethylcelluloseCascara sagradaCasanthranolCastor oilDehydrocholic acidDocusateGlycerinLactuloseMagnesium citrateMagnesium hydroxideMagnesium oxideMagnesium sulfateMalt soup extractMethylcelluloseMilk of magnesiaMineral oilPhenolphthaleinPoloxamer 188PolycarbophilPotassium bitartrate and sodium bicarbonatePsylliumPsyllium hydrophilic mucilloidSennaSennosidesSodium phosphateNote: This list may not be all-inclusive.Where FoundBisacodyl (Dulcolax)Cascara sagradaCastor oilDocusate (Colace)Docusate and phenolphthalein (Correctol)Glycerin suppositoriesLactulose (Duphalac)Magnesium citrateMalt soup extract (Maltsupex)MethylcelluloseMilk of magnesiaMineral oilPhenolphthalein (Ex Lax)PsylliumSennaNote: This list may not be all-inclusive.SymptomsNausea, vomiting, abdominal cramping, diarrhea, are most common. Dehydration and electrolyte problems are more common in children than adults. Below are symptoms specific to the actual product.Bisacodyl:CrampsDiarrheaSenna; Cascara sagrada:Abdominal painBloody stoolsCollapseDiarrheaPhenolphthalein:Abdominal painCollapseDiarrheaDizzinessDrop in blood pressureLow blood sugarRashSodium phosphate:Abdominal painCollapseDiarrheaMuscle weaknessVomitingMagnesium-containing products:Abdominal painCollapseComaDeathDiarrhea (watery)Drop in blood pressureFlushingGastrointestinal irritationMuscle weaknessPainful bowel movementsPainful urinationSlowed breathingThirstVomitingCastor oil can cause gastrointestinal irritation.Mineral oil can cause aspiration pneumonia, a condition where vomited stomach contents are inhaled.Products containing methylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose, polycarbophil, or psyllium may cause choking or intestinal blockage if they are not taken with plenty of fluids.Home TreatmentSeek immediate medical help. Do NOT make a person throw up unless told to do so by Poison Control or a health care professional.Before Calling EmergencyDetermine the following information:Patient's age, weight, and conditionThe name of the product (ingredients and strengths if known)Time it was swallowedThe amount swallowedIf the medication was prescribed for the patientPoison Control, or a local emergency numberThe National Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) can be called from anywhere in the United States. This national hotline number will let you talk to experts in poisoning. They will give you further instructions.This is a free and confidential service. All local poison control centers in the United States use this national number. You should call if you have any questions about poisoning or poison prevention. It does NOT need to be an emergency. You can call for any reason, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.Take the container with you to the hospital, if possible.See: Poison control center - emergency numberWhat to expect at the emergency roomThe health care provider will measure and monitor the patient's vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, heart function, and blood pressure. Symptoms will be treated as appropriate. The patient may receive:Activated charcoalBlood tests to determine electrolyte levelsBreathing supportFluids and electrolytes through an IVTube through the mouth into the stomach to empty the stomach (gastric lavage)Expectations (prognosis)How well a patient does depends on the type of laxative swallowed, how much was swallowed, and how much time passed before treatment was received.Serious symptoms are most likely in patients who abuse laxatives by taking large amounts to lose weight. Fluid and electrolyte (body chemical) imbalances may result, and fecal incontinence (inability to control bowel movements) may also develop. First time laxative overdoses are rarely serious.ReferencesMalagelada JR, Malagelada C. Nausea and vomiting. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger & Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 8th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2006:chap 8.Sackeyfio AH, Gottlieb SJ. Anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. In: Tintinalli JE, Kelen GD, Stapczynski JS, Ma OJ, Cline DM, eds. Emergency Medicine: A Comprehensive Study Guide. 6th ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill; 2004:chap 291.
