Liquid%2525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252520paraffin

# Liquid Paraffin ## Overview Liquid paraffin is a mineral oil used as an emollient and laxative. It lubricates the intestinal tract, softening stool and easing defecation. ## Primary Indications * Constipation ## Adult Dosing * **Laxative:** 10 mL to 40 mL once daily, typically taken at bedtime. Doses may be adjusted based on response. ## Pediatric Dosing * **Laxative:** * **1-6 years:** 5 mL once daily. * **6-12 years:** 10 mL once daily. * **Over 12 years:** Same as adult dosing. * Dosing for infants under 1 year should only be under medical supervision. ## Dose Adjustments No specific dose adjustments are typically required for renal or hepatic impairment. ## Contraindications * Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or other symptoms of appendicitis or undiagnosed abdominal conditions. * Intestinal obstruction. * Hypersensitivity to liquid paraffin. * Chronic use in the elderly or debilitated patients due to risk of lipid pneumonia. ## Adverse Effects * Diarrhea, abdominal cramping, anal irritation. * Lipid pneumonia (if aspirated, particularly with chronic use or in patients with swallowing difficulties). * Anal leakage (especially with higher doses). * Reduced absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) with prolonged use. ## Key Drug Interactions * **Mineral Oil:** Can decrease the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) and other orally administered medications (e.g., digoxin, some anticoagulants). Advise separating administration by at least 2 hours. ## Monitoring * Monitor bowel movements for frequency and consistency. * Assess for signs of anal irritation or leakage. * In patients with swallowing difficulties or elderly patients on chronic therapy, monitor for signs of aspiration or lipid pneumonia. ## Clinical Pearls * Advise patients to take liquid paraffin on an empty stomach and not to lie down immediately after taking it to minimize the risk of aspiration. * Avoid chronic use, especially in the elderly, due to potential for lipid pneumonia. * Use with caution in patients with dysphagia. * It is generally not recommended for long-term treatment of constipation. **Disclaimer:** Always verify current prescribing information from a reliable source before making clinical decisions.