The end result is that there is much more water in the stool, keeping it very soft, and causing it to move through the intestine more quickly. As with fiber laxatives, high doses of prunes often produce bloating and gas. While many parents and physicians are worried about using laxatives in children, most of their concerns are unfounded. Since nearly all available laxatives work by keeping large amounts of water in the stool, they can be used for very prolonged periods of time without significant risk. There is no evidence that any of the laxatives described above can result in dependency with chronic usage.
Laxatives lose their effectiveness if they are used for prolonged periods.
No studies have ever convincingly demonstrated that any of the laxatives described above lose their effectiveness over time. Children who use laxatives have an increased risk of developing colon cancer. While several studies have suggested that adults with untreated constipation may be at increased risk for developing colon cancer, there is no evidence to suggest that laxatives increase this risk. Early on, most medical treatment regimens revolve around evacuating the intestine and using laxatives to keep the stools soft, but to assure long-term success, it is crucial that the child develops very regular bowel habits. Children should get in the habit of sitting on the toilet for five to ten minutes after breakfast and again after supper.