Safety of treatments for children with functional constipation

Functional constipation (FC) in children is a common diagnosis that can be challenging to treat effectively. Internet and social media are shaping parental knowledge and beliefs has become of great importance.

A literature review was conducted by searching electronic databases (inception-April 2026) for studies on safety of current management options for FC in children. Our main goal was to describe safety and patients' and parents' satisfaction regarding pharmacological, neuromodulation and surgical therapies. We also addressed myths commonly shared by the lay public. Current evidence supports osmotic and stimulant laxatives as safe first-line treatments for pediatric FC. More novel therapies such as secretagogues and noninvasive neuromodulation may shift management in the future, but long-term safety data regarding these treatments need to be collected. Surgical options are reserved for refractory cases due to complication risks.

Emphasizing safety and addressing misconceptions are essential in order to improve treatment adherence. The availability of more therapeutic options highlights the need for patient stratification to maximize benefit and minimize adverse effects. The growing influence of social media on caregivers underscores the importance of evidence-based communication and shared decision-making in clinical practice.