Publication Name	World Journal of Clinical Pediatrics
Manuscript ID	113925
Country	Sri Lanka

Category	Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Manuscript Type	Review
Article Title	Pharmacological management of childhood constipation: Bridging today’s gaps with tomorrow’s therapies
Manuscript Source	Invited Manuscript
All Author List	Shaman Rajindrajith, Wathsala Hathagoda, Keshawadhana Balakrishnan and Niranga Manjuri Devanarayana
Funding Agency and Grant Number	Funding Agency Grant Number University of Kelaniya, Research Council RC/2023/PPRP04
Corresponding Author	Niranga Manjuri Devanarayana, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, Thalagolla Road, Ragama 11010, Sri Lanka. niranga@kln.ac.lk
Key Words	Child; Constipation; Drugs; Management; Pediatric; Pharmacological management; Therapies
Core Tip	Functional constipation ranks among the most common disorders associated with gut-brain interactions in children. Despite the existence of well-documented guidelines featuring structured pharmacological management algorithms, long-term outcomes remain unsatisfactory. To bridge the gap, we must consider the following questions: Why is it necessary to change how we approach childhood constipation? Why have most new pharmacological treatments not proven their effectiveness? What new adjustments are needed in clinical trials related to childhood constipation? What alternative strategies can pediatricians and researchers use to implement novel drugs in children? This review highlights current pharmacological treatments for childhood constipation, including osmotic laxatives, stimulant laxatives, lubricants, and enemas, and aims to bridge the therapeutic gap with novel agents such as prucalopride, lubiprostone, and botulinum toxin. Furthermore, pediatric use of medications emerging in adult studies, such as prosecretory drugs like linaclotide and tenapanor, is discussed.
Citation	Rajindrajith S, Hathagoda W, Balakrishnan K, Devanarayana NM. Pharmacological management of childhood constipation: Bridging today’s gaps with tomorrow’s therapies. World J Clin Pediatr 2025; In press

Received	2025-09-07 07:57
Peer-Review Started	2025-09-07 07:57
First Decision by Editorial Office Director	2025-09-25 08:33
Return for Revision	2025-09-25 08:33
Revised	2025-10-27 02:32
Publication Fee Transferred
Second Decision by Editor	2025-12-29 02:32
Second Decision by Editor-in-Chief
Final Decision by Editorial Office Director	2025-12-29 09:15
Articles in Press	2025-12-29 09:15
Edit the Manuscript by Language Editor
Typeset the Manuscript

ISSN	2219-2808 (online)
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