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# Liquid Paraffin
## Overview
Liquid paraffin is a mineral oil used as an emollient, a lubricant, and a laxative.
## Primary Indications
* Constipation (laxative)
* Dry skin conditions (emollient/topical lubricant)
## Adult Dosing
### Laxative:
* **Oral:** 10-30 mL once daily, or as needed. Dosing may vary based on formulation and local protocols.
### Emollient/Topical Lubricant:
* Apply sparingly to affected skin areas as needed.
## Pediatric Dosing
### Laxative:
* **Oral (under 12 years):** Dosing is not well-established and should be guided by a pediatrician. Typically, lower doses than adults are used if prescribed.
* **Oral (12 years and older):** 10-30 mL once daily, or as needed.
* **Topical:** Generally considered safe for use in infants and children as an emollient, applied sparingly.
## Dose Adjustments
No specific dose adjustments are typically required based on renal or hepatic impairment.
## Contraindications
* Ileus
* Intestinal obstruction
* Hypersensitivity to liquid paraffin
* Aspiration risk (especially in young children, elderly, or those with swallowing difficulties)
## Adverse Effects
* **Gastrointestinal:** Abdominal cramping, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, anal leakage.
* **Systemic (rare, with chronic or excessive use):** Vitamin malabsorption (especially fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, K), lipoid pneumonia (following aspiration).
* **Topical:** Skin irritation, rash.
## Key Drug Interactions
* **Fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K):** Decreased absorption with chronic oral use.
* **Other oral medications:** May decrease the absorption of other orally administered drugs by coating the intestinal lining. Consider separating administration by at least 2 hours.
## Monitoring
* Monitor for effectiveness in relieving constipation.
* Assess for signs of anal leakage or perianal irritation with oral use.
* Monitor for signs of vitamin deficiency with long-term or high-dose oral use, although this is uncommon.
## Clinical Pearls
* Liquid paraffin should be taken on an empty stomach and not immediately before lying down to reduce the risk of aspiration and subsequent lipoid pneumonia.
* Oral use may lead to anal leakage, which can cause perianal irritation.
* Long-term, regular use of oral liquid paraffin is generally discouraged due to potential side effects like vitamin malabsorption.
* As an emollient, it forms a physical barrier on the skin, preventing moisture loss.
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***Disclaimer:** This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Always consult the most current prescribing information and relevant clinical guidelines before making treatment decisions. Dosing and recommendations can vary based on individual patient factors and local institutional protocols.*
