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# Liquid Paraffin
## Overview
Liquid paraffin is a mineral oil used as a laxative. It works by lubricating the intestinal walls, softening the stool, and easing its passage. It is not absorbed by the body.
## Primary Indications
* Constipation
## Adult Dosing
* **Oral:** 10-30 mL once daily, usually at bedtime. Higher doses may be used for short periods.
## Pediatric Dosing
* **Oral:**
* **1-5 years:** 5 mL once daily.
* **6-12 years:** 10 mL once daily.
* **Over 12 years:** Same as adult dosing.
* Dosing for children under 1 year should be at the discretion of a healthcare professional.
## Dose Adjustments
* No specific dose adjustments are typically required for hepatic or renal impairment due to minimal systemic absorption.
## Contraindications
* Hypersensitivity to liquid paraffin.
* Abdominal pain of unknown origin.
* Nausea, vomiting, or other symptoms of appendicitis.
* Intestinal obstruction.
* Prophylactic use in patients who are bedridden or have difficulty swallowing, due to the risk of lipid aspiration pneumonia.
## Adverse Effects
* Diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea, and vomiting.
* Anal leakage/soiling.
* Long-term use or high doses can lead to vitamin malabsorption (fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, K).
* Lipoid pneumonia (rare, but serious) if aspirated, particularly in infants, the elderly, or those with impaired swallowing reflexes.
## Key Drug Interactions
* **Fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K):** Liquid paraffin can decrease their absorption. Separate administration by at least 2 hours.
* **Other medications:** May interfere with the absorption of other orally administered drugs by coating the intestinal lumen. Separate administration by at least 2 hours.
## Monitoring
* Bowel movements (frequency, consistency).
* Signs of abdominal distress.
* Long-term use: Monitor for signs of vitamin deficiencies.
## Clinical Pearls
* Best taken at bedtime to minimize anal leakage.
* Do not take with meals or hot liquids as this increases the risk of aspiration.
* Should not be used for more than 7 days consecutively without medical advice.
* Use with caution in patients with dysphagia or who are at risk of aspiration.
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*This information is intended for healthcare professionals and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult the most current prescribing information and relevant guidelines before making any clinical decisions.*
