Liquid%25252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252520paraffin

# Liquid Paraffin ## Overview Liquid paraffin is a mineral oil that acts as an emollient and lubricant. It is poorly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. ## Primary Indications * Constipation ## Adult Dosing * **Constipation:** 10 mL to 30 mL once daily or in divided doses. Dosing may vary based on formulation and individual response. ## Pediatric Dosing * **Constipation:** Dosing is highly variable and should be guided by age, weight, and clinical response. Typically starts at lower doses for younger children (e.g., 2.5 mL to 5 mL once daily) and titrates up. Consult specific pediatric guidelines or product labeling. ## Dose Adjustments * No specific dose adjustments are typically required for renal or hepatic impairment due to minimal systemic absorption. ## Contraindications * Hypersensitivity to liquid paraffin. * Patients with intestinal obstruction, appendicitis symptoms (nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain), or rectal bleeding. * Risk of aspiration, particularly in infants, debilitated patients, or those with swallowing difficulties. ## Adverse Effects * Diarrhea, abdominal cramping, nausea. * Anal leakage or soiling (particularly with higher doses or if taken incorrectly). * Lipoid pneumonia if aspirated (rare but serious). * Malabsorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) with prolonged, high-dose use. ## Key Drug Interactions * May decrease the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K). * May decrease the absorption of concurrently administered oral medications, especially those that are lipophilic. Consider separating administration by at least 2 hours. ## Monitoring * Monitor for relief of constipation. * Assess for signs of diarrhea, abdominal cramping, or anal leakage. * Consider monitoring nutritional status and fat-soluble vitamin levels with long-term, regular use, especially in children. ## Clinical Pearls * Advise patients to take at bedtime to minimize anal leakage during the day. * Do not administer lying down or immediately before lying down due to aspiration risk. * Avoid concurrent use with other laxatives unless specifically advised by a healthcare professional. * Long-term, daily use should be discouraged due to potential vitamin malabsorption and lack of bowel stimulation. *** *This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Always verify the most current prescribing information and local protocols before making clinical decisions.*