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# Liquid Paraffin
## Overview
Liquid paraffin is a highly refined mineral oil used as a laxative. It acts as a lubricant, softening the stool and coating the intestinal wall to ease passage.
## Primary Indications
Constipation.
## Adult Dosing
10-30 mL once daily at bedtime. Maximum dose not well-established, but typically not to exceed 60 mL in 24 hours.
## Pediatric Dosing
* **Ages 1-11 years:** 5-10 mL once daily at bedtime.
* **Ages 12 years and older:** Dosing as per adult.
* **Under 1 year:** Generally not recommended; consult a pediatrician.
## Dose Adjustments
No specific dose adjustments are typically required for hepatic or renal impairment.
## Contraindications
* Appendicitis or symptoms of acute abdominal pain.
* Intestinal obstruction.
* Fecal impaction.
* Nausea, vomiting, or other symptoms of gastrointestinal obstruction.
* Hypersensitivity to liquid paraffin.
## Adverse Effects
* **Common:** Abdominal cramping, bloating, nausea, diarrhea.
* **Long-term/High-dose:**
* Anal leakage/soiling.
* Lipoid pneumonia (if aspirated, particularly in the elderly or those with impaired swallowing).
* Malabsorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) with chronic, high-dose use.
## Key Drug Interactions
* **Fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K):** Absorption may be reduced with chronic use. Consider vitamin supplementation if indicated.
* **Mineral oil may reduce the absorption of other concomitantly administered oral drugs.** Administer other oral medications at least 2 hours before or 2 hours after liquid paraffin.
## Monitoring
Monitor for bowel movement frequency and consistency. Assess for signs of abdominal pain or distension. With chronic use, consider monitoring for signs of vitamin deficiencies.
## Clinical Pearls
* Avoid use in patients with difficulty swallowing to minimize the risk of aspiration and lipoid pneumonia.
* Not for long-term daily use; typically recommended for short-term relief of occasional constipation.
* Best administered at bedtime to reduce the risk of anal leakage during the day.
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**Disclaimer:** This information is intended for healthcare professionals. It is essential to consult the most current prescribing information and relevant guidelines for definitive patient management. Dosing and recommendations may vary based on individual patient factors and local protocols.
