Many pediatricians use medications that are not approved for kids – this is called “off-label use”. For example, a certain cream that is only approved for 6 year-old, but I feel comfortable using it in a 4 year old. This is quite common. Most of the time, there is no problem, and after further testing and experience, the medication then becomes approved for younger children. Other times, questions about safety arise and pediatricians need to stop using the med. I seldom use Miralax as part of treating constipation, I would not be comfortable using it off label. Doesn’t mean it’s not safe, just means that I haven’t used it enough to be comfortable. If your doctor is comfortable, and you trust him/her – then go with that.
I do often use Flax seed oil as part of my constipation “arsenal” and highly recommend it. This is something that is good for you anyway. Click here to read more about constipation.
Dr. Jim