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# Liquid Paraffin
## Overview
Liquid paraffin is a highly refined mineral oil used as an emollient and laxative. It works by coating the stool, softening it, and lubricating the intestinal wall to ease defecation.
## Primary Indications
* Constipation
## Adult Dosing
* **Laxative:** 10 mL to 30 mL once daily, usually at bedtime. Maximum dose not clearly established, but generally avoid prolonged use.
## Pediatric Dosing
* **Constipation:**
* Children 6-12 years: 5 mL once daily.
* Children 1-5 years: 2.5 mL to 5 mL once daily.
* Under 1 year: Dosing is not well-established. Consult a pediatrician; typically 1 mL to 2 mL once daily is used with caution.
## Dose Adjustments
* No specific dose adjustments are routinely recommended for hepatic or renal impairment.
## Contraindications
* Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or other symptoms of appendicitis or acute abdominal conditions.
* Ileus or intestinal obstruction.
* Dysphagia (risk of aspiration).
* Hypersensitivity to liquid paraffin.
## Adverse Effects
* Diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting.
* Anal leakage (especially with higher doses or without adequate hydration).
* **Aspiration:** Risk of lipoid pneumonia if inhaled, particularly in infants, the elderly, or those with impaired gag reflexes. This is a serious adverse effect.
* Malabsorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) with chronic, long-term use.
## Key Drug Interactions
* **Fat-soluble vitamins:** May decrease absorption. Consider separate administration or supplementation.
* **Docusate sodium:** Concurrent use may increase the risk of anal leakage.
## Monitoring
* Bowel movements (frequency, consistency).
* Signs of anal leakage or perianal irritation.
* Monitor for signs of aspiration or lipoid pneumonia if risk factors are present.
## Clinical Pearls
* Administer at bedtime to minimize daytime anal leakage.
* Encourage adequate fluid intake when using as a laxative.
* Avoid prolonged or frequent use (generally not recommended for more than 1 week without medical advice) due to the risk of vitamin malabsorption and dependency.
* Use with extreme caution in patients at risk of aspiration.
* This medication should not be used as a weight-loss agent.
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*Disclaimer: This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Always consult the most current prescribing information or local protocols for definitive guidance. Dosing and safety information can vary.*
