Liquid%252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252520paraffin

## Liquid Paraffin ### Overview Liquid paraffin is a mineral oil used as an emollient and a laxative. It acts by lubricating the stools and retaining water in the intestinal lumen, softening the feces and easing defecation. ### Primary Indications * Constipation ### Adult Dosing * **Laxative:** 10 mL to 30 mL orally once daily or in divided doses. Maximum dose not clearly established, but typically not to exceed 40 mL daily. * **Emollient:** As directed by the prescribing information, often applied topically for skin conditions. ### Pediatric Dosing * **Constipation:** * **1-6 years:** 5 mL orally once daily. * **6-12 years:** 10 mL orally once daily. * **Over 12 years:** 10 mL to 20 mL orally once daily. * Dosing for younger children (under 1 year) should be at the discretion of a physician. Safety and efficacy for chronic use in children are not well-established. ### Dose Adjustments No specific dose adjustments are typically required for hepatic or renal impairment. ### Contraindications * Intestinal obstruction * Acute abdominal pain * Nausea or vomiting * Hypersensitivity to liquid paraffin * Aspiration risk (particularly important in the elderly, frail, or those with swallowing difficulties) ### Adverse Effects * Anal seepage (especially with higher doses) * Abdominal cramping * Nausea * Vomiting * Diarrhea * Lipoid pneumonia (rare, associated with chronic aspiration) * Malabsorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) with chronic, long-term use. ### Key Drug Interactions * Concurrent use with other mineral oil products may increase the risk of adverse effects. * May reduce the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) and some other orally administered drugs (e.g., digoxin, anticoagulants) when taken concurrently. Separation of doses is recommended. ### Monitoring * Bowel movement frequency and consistency. * Signs of anal seepage or leakage. * For prolonged use in children: Monitor for signs of vitamin deficiencies. ### Clinical Pearls * Administer undiluted. * Use with caution in the elderly and debilitated patients due to the risk of aspiration, which can lead to lipoid pneumonia. * Advise patients to take at bedtime to minimize anal seepage, or in divided doses if necessary. * Avoid prolonged use without medical supervision, especially in children, due to potential for vitamin malabsorption and dependence. *** *This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Always consult the current prescribing information and local protocols for definitive guidance.*