The treatment of functional constipation in children includes faecal disimpaction and maintenance therapy. Conventional treatment options, such as polyethylene glycol (for disimpaction and maintenance), enemas (for disimpaction) and lactulose (for maintenance) have the greatest evidence for efficacy and safety in children. Alternatives such as stimulant laxatives, magnesium hydroxide and mineral oil are generally considered effective and well tolerated, but data in children are limited. Botulinum toxin injection should be considered as one of the last treatment options. Novel drugs have shown efficacy in treating constipation in adults; however, further studies are required before they can be routinely used in children.