Liquid%252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252520paraffin

# Liquid Paraffin ## Overview Liquid paraffin is a mineral oil used as a lubricant laxative. It coats the stool, softening it and easing passage. It is poorly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. ## Primary Indications * Constipation ## Adult Dosing * 10-30 mL once daily, typically at bedtime. * Maximum dose is generally not well-defined but should be guided by clinical response and avoidance of adverse effects. ## Pediatric Dosing * **1-5 years:** 5 mL once daily. * **6-12 years:** 10 mL once daily. * **Over 12 years:** 10-20 mL once daily. * Dosing should be individualized and supervised by a healthcare professional. ## Dose Adjustments No specific dose adjustments are typically required for renal or hepatic impairment due to minimal systemic absorption. ## Contraindications * Patients with dysphagia (risk of lipid aspiration, leading to lipoid pneumonia). * Known hypersensitivity to liquid paraffin. * Concurrent use of other mineral oil products. ## Adverse Effects * Gastrointestinal: Abdominal cramps, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting. * Anal leakage/soiling. * Long-term use can lead to decreased absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K). * Lipoid pneumonia (rare but serious, especially with aspiration). ## Key Drug Interactions * **Fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K):** Decreased absorption with chronic use. Consider administration at least 2 hours apart from vitamin supplements. * **Docusate:** Concurrent administration is generally not recommended as docusate's emulsifying action may increase mineral oil absorption, increasing the risk of systemic toxicity. ## Monitoring * Bowel movements (frequency, consistency). * Signs of malabsorption or vitamin deficiency with chronic use. * Signs of lipoid pneumonia (cough, shortness of breath, fever) if aspiration is suspected. ## Clinical Pearls * Administer at bedtime to minimize daytime anal leakage. * Avoid use in patients at risk for aspiration. * If used long-term, consider monitoring for vitamin deficiencies and advising on vitamin supplementation if necessary. * The effect may take 6-8 hours to occur. --- *This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Always consult the most current prescribing information and local protocols before making clinical decisions.*