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# Liquid Paraffin
## Overview
Liquid paraffin is a mineral oil used as a lubricant laxative. It softens stool by coating it with a waterproof film, preventing water absorption from the bowel and easing passage.
## Primary Indications
Constipation.
## Adult Dosing
**Oral:**
* 10-30 mL once daily, typically taken at bedtime.
* Maximum dose is generally not specified, but prolonged use or high doses increase aspiration risk.
## Pediatric Dosing
**Oral:**
* **1-5 years:** 5 mL once daily.
* **6-12 years:** 10 mL once daily.
* **Over 12 years:** 10-20 mL once daily.
* Use in infants under 1 year should be under strict medical supervision due to increased risk of aspiration.
## Dose Adjustments
No specific dose adjustments are typically required for renal or hepatic impairment.
## Contraindications
* Hypersensitivity to liquid paraffin.
* Patients with difficulty swallowing, as aspiration can lead to lipoid pneumonia.
* Acute abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or suspected intestinal obstruction.
* Use with caution in the elderly and debilitated patients.
## Adverse Effects
* Most common: Loose stools, abdominal cramping.
* Less common: Anal leakage (especially with higher doses), nausea, vomiting.
* Serious: Lipoid pneumonia (if aspirated). Chronic use may lead to vitamin malabsorption (vitamins A, D, E, K) and decreased absorption of other medications.
## Key Drug Interactions
* **Fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K):** Decreased absorption with chronic use.
* **Other oral medications:** May decrease absorption of concurrently administered oral drugs by coating the gastrointestinal tract. Administer at least 2 hours apart from other medications.
## Monitoring
* Bowel movements frequency and consistency.
* Signs of vitamin deficiency with long-term use.
* Signs of aspiration (coughing, choking) particularly in at-risk individuals.
## Clinical Pearls
* Administer at bedtime to reduce the risk of anal leakage.
* Avoid administration in a lying or reclining position.
* Not for long-term daily use; intermittent use for occasional constipation is preferred.
* Encourage adequate fluid intake and dietary fiber alongside laxative use.
* Due to the risk of lipoid pneumonia, liquid paraffin should be used with extreme caution in patients with a history of dysphagia or gastroesophageal reflux.
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*Disclaimer: This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Always consult the official prescribing information and relevant guidelines for complete and up-to-date details before making any clinical decisions.*
