Liquid%252525252525252525252520paraffin

# Liquid Paraffin (Mineral Oil) ## Overview Liquid paraffin is a potent, non-absorbable lubricant laxative. It works by coating the stool and intestinal mucosa, preventing water absorption from the colon, thereby softening the stool and facilitating passage. ## Primary Indications * Short-term management of chronic or simple constipation. * Fecal impaction (often used as an adjunct to evacuants). ## Adult Dosing * **Oral:** 15–30 mL once daily or in divided doses, preferably at bedtime. * **Maximum:** 45 mL/day. Chronic use is generally discouraged. ## Pediatric Dosing * **Children (Age 3–12 years):** 5–15 mL once daily. * **Infants/Young Children:** Generally avoid unless directed by a pediatrician due to safety risks. * *Note: Always consult institutional protocols for age-specific pediatric dosing.* ## Dose Adjustments * **Renal/Hepatic Impairment:** No specific dose adjustments established; however, exercise extreme caution in debilitated patients or those with dysphagia due to aspiration risks. ## Contraindications * Hypersensitivity to the drug. * Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or other symptoms of appendicitis/obstruction. * Dysphagia or patients at high risk of aspiration (e.g., elderly, neurological impairment, recumbent patients). * Presence of fecal impaction (without medical supervision). * Children <3 years old. ## Adverse Effects * **Aspiration:** Risk of lipoid pneumonia (can be severe and irreversible). * **Nutrient Malabsorption:** Chronic use may reduce absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K). * **Anal Leakage/Seepage:** May cause pruritus ani or soiling. * **Foreign Body Granuloma:** Rare, associated with systemic absorption of micro-droplets. ## Key Drug Interactions * **Fat-soluble vitamins:** May interfere with the absorption of vitamins A, D, E, and K. * **Oral contraceptives/warfarin:** Potential for reduced absorption when taken concomitantly. * **Docusate:** Concurrent use is generally contraindicated as it may increase the systemic absorption of liquid paraffin. ## Monitoring * Monitor for signs of aspiration. * Assess frequency and consistency of bowel movements. * Monitor long-term users for signs of fat-soluble vitamin deficiency (e.g., coagulation studies or vitamin panel). ## Clinical Pearls * **Aspiration Risk:** Never administer to patients in a recumbent position or those with difficulty swallowing. Lipoid pneumonia induced by mineral oil is often indolent and difficult to treat. * **Administration:** It is often best taken on an empty stomach to avoid delaying gastric emptying, though patients frequently find the texture unpleasant. * **Alternative Therapy:** Osmotic laxatives (e.g., PEG 3350) or stimulant laxatives are typically preferred over liquid paraffin due to the superior safety profile. * **Duration:** Limit use to the shortest duration necessary; long-term reliance can lead to dependency and "lazy bowel" syndrome. *** **Educational Disclaimer:** This information is for educational purposes only. Always verify dosing, contraindications, and drug interactions against current local prescribing information (e.g., BNF, Lexicomp, or clinical guidelines) or institutional policy before administration.