Liquid%25252525252525252525252525252525252525252520paraffin

# Liquid Paraffin (Mineral Oil) ## Overview Liquid paraffin is a highly refined mineral oil used as a lubricant laxative. It works by coating the bowel wall and stool with a waterproof film, preventing water absorption and facilitating easier passage of fecal matter. ## Primary Indications * Short-term relief of occasional constipation. * Management of fecal impaction. ## Adult Dosing * **Oral:** 15–45 mL once daily or in divided doses, ideally taken before bedtime. * **Maximum:** Do not exceed 45 mL per 24 hours. Limit use to fewer than 7 consecutive days. ## Pediatric Dosing * **Children (6–12 years):** 5–20 mL daily. * **Children (<6 years):** Generally **not recommended** due to the high risk of aspiration and systemic absorption. * *Note: Dosing should be individualized based on clinical response; verify with local pediatric protocols.* ## Dose Adjustments * **Renal/Hepatic Impairment:** No specific adjustments provided; however, use with extreme caution in frail or elderly patients due to aspiration risks. ## Contraindications * Patients with dysphagia or risk of aspiration (e.g., elderly, neurological disorders, debilitated patients). * Presence of symptoms suggestive of appendicitis, bowel obstruction, or undiagnosed abdominal pain. * Concurrent use of docusate (may increase systemic absorption of paraffin). * Infants and children under 6 years old. ## Adverse Effects * **Aspiration Pneumonia:** Lipoid pneumonia can occur if oil is aspirated into the lungs (often silent). * **Anal Leakage:** Perianal irritation, pruritus, or soiling due to leakage of the oil. * **Malabsorption:** Potential for reduced absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K) with chronic use. * **Foreign Body Granuloma:** Rare, resulting from tissue reaction if oil is systemically absorbed. ## Key Drug Interactions * **Fat-soluble vitamins:** Chronic use may lead to deficiency of vitamins A, D, E, and K. * **Docusate sodium:** Avoid concurrent use; docusate solubilizes paraffin, facilitating its absorption into intestinal lymphatics and potentially causing inflammatory granulomas in liver/spleen. * **Oral contraceptives/Warfarin:** May potentially interfere with absorption; separate doses by at least 2 hours. ## Monitoring * Monitor for signs of aspiration (cough, dyspnea, crackles). * Monitor for persistence of constipation symptoms. * Assess for perianal skin breakdown. ## Clinical Pearls * **Aspiration Risk:** Do not administer immediately before reclining or to patients with a compromised gag reflex. * **Administration:** May be taken with juices or cold drinks to mask texture/taste. * **Limit Duration:** Should not be used for chronic constipation management; stimulant laxatives or osmotic agents (e.g., PEG, lactulose) are preferred for longer-term use. * **Safety Note:** Liquid paraffin is essentially non-absorbable but carries severe risk if aspirated into the respiratory tract. *** *Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Clinical practice guidelines vary by institution and country. Always verify dosing and contraindications with current local formularies and the manufacturer’s package insert before prescribing or administering.*