Liquid%252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252520paraffin

# Liquid Paraffin ## Overview Liquid paraffin, also known as mineral oil, is a laxative that lubricates the intestinal tract, softening stool and easing defecation. It is not absorbed and acts locally. ## Primary Indications * Constipation ## Adult Dosing * **Oral:** 15-45 mL once daily, typically at bedtime. Doses may be adjusted based on patient response. * **Rectal (as an enema):** Used for fecal impaction. Volume depends on product and patient. ## Pediatric Dosing * **Oral:** * **1-11 years:** 5-15 mL once daily. * **12 years and older:** 15-45 mL once daily. * **Note:** Use in infants requires medical supervision due to risk of aspiration. ## Dose Adjustments No dose adjustments are typically needed for hepatic or renal impairment. ## Contraindications * Hypersensitivity to liquid paraffin. * Ileus, intestinal obstruction, acute abdominal conditions (e.g., appendicitis, inflammatory bowel disease). * Nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain of unknown origin. * Difficulty swallowing (risk of aspiration). ## Adverse Effects * Anal leakage, bloating, abdominal cramps, diarrhea. * **Chronic use:** May lead to vitamin malabsorption (especially fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, K). * **Aspiration:** Can cause lipoid pneumonia, especially in the elderly or those with impaired gag reflexes. ## Key Drug Interactions * May reduce the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) and concurrently administered medications that require fat for absorption (e.g., some oral anticoagulants). Separate administration by at least 2 hours. ## Monitoring * Bowel movements and consistency. * Signs of abdominal distension or obstruction. * Nutritional status if used long-term, particularly for vitamin deficiencies. ## Clinical Pearls * Administer undiluted and preferably at bedtime to minimize leakage. * Advise patients to avoid lying down immediately after administration due to aspiration risk. * Limit long-term use to avoid vitamin malabsorption. * Oral liquid paraffin is not recommended for the management of chronic constipation due to potential long-term adverse effects. *** *This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Always consult the most current prescribing information and local protocols for definitive guidance.*