Please check your internet connection and try again.
# Liquid Paraffin
## Overview
Liquid paraffin, also known as mineral oil, is a highly refined, inert hydrocarbon mixture. It acts as an emollient and lubricant.
## Primary Indications
* Constipation (laxative)
* Soothing agent for dry skin (topical)
## Adult Dosing
**Constipation:**
* Oral: 10-30 mL once daily or as needed. Maximum dose not definitively established, but typically not exceeded by more than 30-45 mL per day.
**Topical (Emollient):**
* Apply to affected skin areas as needed.
## Pediatric Dosing
**Constipation:**
* Oral: Dosing is highly variable and depends on age and weight. Generally, lower doses are used.
* Under 1 year: Use with caution and under strict medical supervision. Doses typically range from 2.5-5 mL once daily.
* 1-5 years: 5-10 mL once daily.
* Over 5 years: 10-15 mL once daily.
* **Note:** Aspirating liquid paraffin can cause lipoid pneumonia, particularly in infants and young children. Oral administration is generally discouraged in this age group due to this risk.
## Dose Adjustments
No specific dose adjustments are typically required for renal or hepatic impairment due to its minimal systemic absorption.
## Contraindications
* Hypersensitivity to liquid paraffin.
* Aspiration risk (e.g., in infants, elderly, or patients with swallowing difficulties).
* Intestinal obstruction or perforation.
* Appendicitis.
* Acute inflammatory bowel disease.
## Adverse Effects
**Oral:**
* Anal leakage (most common, especially with higher doses).
* Abdominal cramping, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea.
* **Serious:** Lipoid pneumonia if aspirated.
* Long-term use may interfere with the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K).
**Topical:**
* Skin irritation or rash (rare).
* May exacerbate acne.
## Key Drug Interactions
* **Fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K):** May decrease absorption, especially with chronic oral use. Separate administration by at least 2 hours.
* **Docusate sodium:** Concurrent use is not recommended.
## Monitoring
* Bowel movements and presence of anal leakage.
* Signs of aspiration (coughing, wheezing, fever) if oral route used, especially in high-risk individuals.
* Nutritional status and vitamin levels if long-term oral use is necessary.
## Clinical Pearls
* Liquid paraffin is a lubricant laxative; it softens stool and prevents water absorption in the intestines.
* It is not absorbed systemically, making it generally safe from a pharmacokinetic perspective.
* The risk of lipoid pneumonia is significant and warrants extreme caution with oral administration in young children and those with impaired swallowing.
* For topical use, it acts as an occlusive barrier to prevent transepidermal water loss.
* Advise patients to take oral doses at bedtime or separated from meals to minimize the risk of aspiration and anal leakage.
***
**Disclaimer:** This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Always consult the most current prescribing information or official drug compendium for complete and up-to-date details before making any treatment decisions.
