Functional constipation (FC) is a chronic condition characterized by hard, infrequent bowel movements that are often painful or difficult to pass.

Constipation is defined as functional constipation if there is no underlying organic cause. 

Functional constipation is a common problem in childhood, and often occurs in preschool children around the time of toilet training.

Events or triggers that can lead to functional constipation in toddlers include painful or frightening defecation, dietary changes after breastfeeding, and stress and anxiety during toilet training. In older children, triggers for FC include avoidance of unpleasant toilet facilities away from home, voluntary withholding while playing, and trauma to the perianal area.

After initial disimpaction (emptying the hard stool from the colon), maintenance treatments for functional constipation include osmotic laxatives (polyethylene glycol 3350, lactulose, magnesium hydroxide), stool softeners (docusate sodium), and stimulant laxatives (senna, bisacodyl).

Linzess (linaclotide) is an FDA-approved prescription therapy indicated for functional constipation in pediatric patients ages 6-17 years.

Drugs used to treat Functional Constipation