What is the appropriate dose of Movicol (polyethylene glycol 3350) for an 11 kg boy with constipation?

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Movicol Dosing for an 11 kg Child

For an 11 kg child with constipation, start with 1 sachet (6.9g of PEG 3350) daily for maintenance therapy, or use 2-4 sachets daily for 3-7 days if disimpaction is needed.

Weight-Based Dosing Approach

  • For maintenance treatment of functional constipation in children under 2 years, the effective dose of PEG 3350 is approximately 0.8-1.1 g/kg/day 1
  • For an 11 kg child, this translates to 8.8-12.1 g of PEG 3350 daily, which equals approximately 1-2 Movicol sachets (each sachet contains 6.9g PEG 3350) 1
  • Start with 1 sachet daily and adjust upward to achieve 1-2 soft, painless stools per day 1

Disimpaction vs Maintenance Dosing

For Disimpaction (if fecal impaction present):

  • Use 2-4 sachets daily for 3-7 days to clear impaction 2
  • The disimpaction regimen typically requires higher doses (up to 3-4 g/kg/day PEG 3350) for short-term use 3
  • For an 11 kg child, this would be approximately 33-44g PEG 3350 daily (5-6 sachets) during disimpaction, though starting conservatively with 2-4 sachets is prudent 3

For Maintenance (after disimpaction or for mild constipation):

  • 1 sachet daily is the typical starting dose 1, 2
  • Adjust dose based on response to maintain 1-2 soft stools daily 1

Preparation and Administration

  • Mix each sachet with 62.5 mL (approximately 2 ounces) of water and have the child drink the entire mixture 2
  • Can be given at any time of day, though consistency in timing helps with adherence 1
  • The solution should be consumed within 6 hours of preparation 2

Safety and Monitoring

  • PEG 3350 with electrolytes (Movicol) is safe and well-tolerated in children under 2 years of age 1
  • The most common adverse effect is diarrhea, which resolves with dose reduction 1
  • No electrolyte abnormalities were observed even with high-dose therapy 3
  • Parents should adjust the dose to achieve the target of 1-2 soft, painless stools daily 1

Clinical Effectiveness

  • 85-91% of children under 2 years achieve relief of constipation with PEG 3350 therapy 1
  • Treatment is superior to lactulose in terms of colonic transit time and parental satisfaction 4
  • 96% of parents reported being "more than happy" with constipation control using Movicol 2

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

  • Do not underdose: Many children require higher doses than initially prescribed; titrate upward if response is inadequate after 3-5 days 1
  • Ensure adequate fluid intake: While Movicol contains electrolytes, children should maintain normal fluid intake 2
  • Do not stop abruptly after disimpaction: Transition to maintenance dosing rather than discontinuing therapy 2

References

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Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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