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# Liquid Paraffin
## Overview
Liquid paraffin is a highly refined mineral oil used as an emollient and lubricant. It functions as a laxative by lubricating the stool and the intestinal wall, softening the stool and easing defecation.
## Primary Indications
* Constipation
## Adult Dosing
* **Oral:** 10-30 mL once daily or divided into 2-3 doses. The dose can be titrated to effect. Some sources suggest up to 60 mL daily may be used.
## Pediatric Dosing
* **Oral:**
* **1-11 years:** 5 mL once daily. May be increased to 10 mL once daily if needed.
* **12 years and older:** Dosing as per adult.
* Dosing in infants under 1 year should be at the discretion of a healthcare professional.
## Dose Adjustments
No specific dose adjustments are typically required for hepatic or renal impairment.
## Contraindications
* Hypersensitivity to liquid paraffin.
* Appendicitis, intestinal obstruction, inflammatory bowel disease, rectal bleeding, or dysphagia.
* Children under 1 year of age (oral use, due to risk of aspiration and lipoid pneumonia).
## Adverse Effects
* Gastrointestinal: Abdominal cramps, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting.
* Anal irritation, leakage of stool.
* Chronic use: Risk of vitamin malabsorption (fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, K), fecal impaction, and lipoid pneumonia (especially with aspiration).
## Key Drug Interactions
* **Fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K):** Liquid paraffin can impair absorption. Consider separate administration or supplementation.
* **Cholestyramine/Colestipol:** May enhance the absorption of mineral oil, potentially increasing toxicity.
* **Docusate Sodium:** Concurrent use may increase the absorption of mineral oil.
* **Mineral oil may reduce the absorption of other oral medications.** Administer other oral medications at least 2 hours before or 2 hours after liquid paraffin.
## Monitoring
* Bowel movements (frequency, consistency).
* Signs of abdominal pain or distension.
* Signs of vitamin deficiencies with chronic use.
## Clinical Pearls
* Best taken on an empty stomach or at bedtime to minimize interference with nutrient absorption.
* Avoid use in patients with difficulty swallowing due to the risk of aspiration and lipoid pneumonia.
* Long-term, regular use should be discouraged due to potential for dependence and vitamin malabsorption.
* Rectal administration (as an enema) may be used for fecal impaction, but oral use is more common for constipation.
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*Disclaimer: This information is intended for healthcare professionals and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult the most current prescribing information and your healthcare provider for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.*
