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# Liquid Paraffin
## Overview
Liquid paraffin is a mineral oil used as a laxative. It lubricates the intestinal tract, softening stool and easing its passage.
## Primary Indications
Constipation.
## Adult Dosing
* **Oral:** 10-30 mL once daily, typically at bedtime.
* **Maximum:** No strict maximum dose, but higher doses increase the risk of adverse effects. Dosing may be adjusted based on patient response and tolerability.
## Pediatric Dosing
* **Children 6-12 years:** 5-10 mL once daily at bedtime.
* **Children 1-5 years:** 5 mL once daily at bedtime.
* **Infants under 1 year:** Generally not recommended; consult a pediatrician. Dosing depends on clinical assessment and local protocols.
## 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.
* Long-term use in children, especially those with swallowing difficulties, due to risk of lipoid pneumonia from aspiration.
## Adverse Effects
* Anal leakage (especially with higher doses).
* Abdominal cramping.
* Nausea.
* Vomiting.
* Diarrhea.
* Lipoid pneumonia (rare, but serious, especially with chronic use or aspiration).
* Reduced absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) with prolonged, high-dose use.
## Key Drug Interactions
* **Fat-soluble vitamins:** May reduce the absorption of vitamins A, D, E, and K. Consider administration separately.
* **Cholestyramine/Colestipol:** May potentially enhance absorption of liquid paraffin if administered concurrently.
## Monitoring
* Bowel movements for frequency and consistency.
* Signs of anal leakage or rectal irritation.
* Signs of vitamin deficiency with chronic, high-dose use.
* For signs and symptoms of lipoid pneumonia if aspiration is suspected.
## Clinical Pearls
* Administer at bedtime to minimize daytime anal leakage.
* Advise patients to use a barrier cream if anal leakage is problematic.
* Avoid use in patients at risk of aspiration or with swallowing difficulties.
* Short-term use is generally preferred. If constipation persists, consider alternative management strategies and investigate underlying causes.
* Do not administer within 2 hours of other medications, especially fat-soluble vitamins.
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**Disclaimer:** This information is intended for clinical use and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult the most current prescribing information and guidelines for specific patient management.
