Liquid%2525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252520paraffin

# Liquid Paraffin ## Overview Liquid paraffin is a mineral oil used as a laxative. It lubricates the intestinal tract, softening the stool and facilitating its passage. ## Primary Indications Constipation. ## Adult Dosing **Oral:** 10 mL to 30 mL once daily or in divided doses. Maximum dose not explicitly established but should be used cautiously. ## Pediatric Dosing **Oral:** * **1 to 5 years:** 2.5 mL to 5 mL once daily. * **6 to 12 years:** 5 mL to 10 mL once daily. * **Over 12 years:** 10 mL to 20 mL once daily. * Dosing for infants under 1 year should be under strict medical supervision. ## Dose Adjustments No dose adjustments are typically required for renal or hepatic impairment. ## Contraindications * Abdominal pain of unknown origin. * Intestinal obstruction or fecal impaction. * Nausea, vomiting. * Difficulty swallowing (risk of aspiration). * Concurrent use with docusate sodium (may increase absorption of mineral oil). ## Adverse Effects * Diarrhea, abdominal cramps, bloating. * Anal leakage. * With chronic use or high doses: Vitamin malabsorption (especially fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, K), granulomatous pneumonia (if aspirated). ## Key Drug Interactions * **Docusate sodium:** May increase absorption of liquid paraffin, leading to increased risk of adverse effects. Avoid concurrent use. * **Other laxatives:** Concurrent use may lead to excessive catharsis and electrolyte imbalance. * **Fat-soluble vitamins:** Long-term use may impair absorption. ## Monitoring Monitor for bowel movements, stool consistency, and signs of anal leakage. Assess for symptoms of vitamin deficiency with chronic use. ## Clinical Pearls * Administer at bedtime to minimize anal leakage. * Do not administer to patients lying down or who have difficulty swallowing due to the risk of aspiration. * Avoid administration within 2 hours of other medications, especially fat-soluble vitamins, as it may decrease their absorption. * Chronic use is generally discouraged due to potential for adverse effects. Short-term use for symptomatic relief of constipation is preferred. *** *This information is intended for clinical use and does not replace the need to consult the most current prescribing information or a drug reference guide. Always verify current information before making clinical decisions.*