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# Liquid Paraffin
## Overview
Liquid paraffin, also known as mineral oil, is a highly refined mineral oil used as an emollient and laxative. It acts by coating the intestinal mucosa, preventing water absorption and softening stool.
## Primary Indications
* Constipation (short-term relief)
* Prevention of fecal impaction
## Adult Dosing
* **Laxative:** 10-30 mL taken orally once daily, usually at bedtime.
* **Emollient:** Applied topically as needed.
## Pediatric Dosing
Dosing in children should be determined by a healthcare provider. For children aged 1-12 years, a typical starting dose for constipation is 5 mL once daily, not to exceed 10 mL per day. Higher doses require medical supervision. Oral use is generally not recommended for infants under 1 year due to the risk of aspiration and lipid pneumonia.
## Dose Adjustments
No specific dose adjustments are typically required for hepatic or renal impairment. However, oral use should be avoided in individuals with a risk of aspiration (e.g., elderly, those with swallowing difficulties).
## Contraindications
* Hypersensitivity to liquid paraffin.
* Acute abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or signs of intestinal obstruction.
* Pregnancy and breastfeeding (oral use, though topical use is generally considered safe).
* Aspiration risk (e.g., infants, elderly, individuals with dysphagia).
## Adverse Effects
* **Gastrointestinal:** Abdominal cramping, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, anal leakage, perianal irritation.
* **Long-term/High-dose oral use:** Malabsorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K), lipoid pneumonia (especially with aspiration), fecal impaction (paradoxical).
## Key Drug Interactions
* **Fat-soluble vitamins:** May decrease absorption. Administer vitamins at least 2 hours apart from liquid paraffin.
* **Docusate:** Concurrent use may increase absorption of liquid paraffin.
* **Other laxatives:** Concurrent use may increase risk of dehydration and electrolyte imbalance.
## Monitoring
* Bowel movements (frequency, consistency).
* Signs of dehydration or electrolyte imbalance.
* Signs of aspiration (e.g., coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath) if oral use.
## Clinical Pearls
* Oral liquid paraffin should be taken with the patient in an upright position.
* It should not be taken immediately before lying down.
* Prolonged or excessive use of oral liquid paraffin is not recommended.
* Topical application can help soften earwax; consult specific protocols for ear administration.
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*This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Always consult the current prescribing information and relevant guidelines before making clinical decisions. Dosing may vary based on specific product formulations and local protocols.*
