Liquid%2525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252520paraffin

# Liquid Paraffin ## Overview Liquid paraffin is a mineral oil used as an emollient and laxative. It works by lubricating the intestinal tract and softening stool. ## Primary Indications * Constipation ## Adult Dosing * **Laxative:** 10 mL to 30 mL by mouth once daily, typically at bedtime. Dosing may vary based on formulation and intended effect. ## Pediatric Dosing * **Constipation:** * **Ages 1-5 years:** 5 mL by mouth once daily. * **Ages 6-12 years:** 10 mL by mouth once daily. * **Ages >12 years:** 10 mL to 20 mL by mouth once daily. * *Note: Dosing in children may require specific product instructions or clinical judgment.* ## Dose Adjustments No dose adjustments are typically required for hepatic or renal impairment. ## Contraindications * Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or other symptoms of appendicitis or undiagnosed abdominal conditions. * Intestinal obstruction. * Hypersensitivity to liquid paraffin. ## Adverse Effects * Abdominal cramping, bloating, diarrhea. * Anal leakage (especially with higher doses). * Lipoid pneumonia (if aspirated, particularly in infants or elderly, or with long-term use). * Vitamin malabsorption (with chronic, high-dose use). ## Key Drug Interactions * **Mineral oil can decrease the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) and other lipophilic drugs.** Administer at least 2 hours apart from other oral medications. ## Monitoring * Bowel movement frequency and consistency. * Signs of vitamin deficiency with long-term, high-dose use. * Signs of aspiration or lipoid pneumonia (rare, but increased risk with certain patient populations). ## Clinical Pearls * Administer at bedtime to minimize disruption and reduce the risk of anal leakage during the day. * Encourage adequate fluid intake concurrently with liquid paraffin. * Avoid prolonged use due to potential for vitamin malabsorption and dependency. * Caution is advised in infants, the elderly, and individuals with impaired swallowing due to the risk of aspiration and lipoid pneumonia. *** **Disclaimer:** This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Always consult the most current prescribing information or product literature for complete details and to ensure it aligns with local protocols and patient-specific needs.