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Updated: May 30, 2026

Gastrointestinal Motility Monitor (GIMM)
Published on: December 1, 2010
Neostigmine in the treatment of refractory constipation in critically ill children
Rafael González1, Jesús López-Herce, Ana García
1Pediatric Intensive Care Department, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain.
Abstract:
Constipation is a common complication in critically ill children and it is occasionally resistant to the drugs typically used in treatment. Neostigmine has been used in some cases of refractory constipation in critically ill adults. There is no reference to its use in critically ill children. We describe 3 cases of refractory constipation in critically ill children treated with intravenous neostigmine by continuous infusion. Two patients responded well. There were no adverse effects. We conclude that continuous intravenous neostigmine can be effective in critically ill children with refractory constipation. Further studies are necessary to determine the dose and safety of the treatment.
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