Mineral Oil

Indications

Mineral Oil is used for: Constipation and bowel irregularity

Adult Dose

Constipation Adults: 1 to 3 tablespoons (15 to 45ml) single or divided doses Maximum3 tablespoons (45mL) in 24 hours.

Child Dose

Constipation Children over 12 years: 1 to 3 tablespoons (15 to 45ml) single or divided doses Maximum3 tablespoons (45mL) in 24 hours. Children 6 years to under 12 years: 5-15 mL/day divided qDay, single or divided doses Maximum3 tablespoons (45mL) in 24 hours.

Renal Dose

Administration

Contra Indications

Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or other symptoms of appendicitis or acute surgical abdomen Fecal impaction, intestinal obstruction or perforation, colostomy, ileostomy, ulcerative colitis, diverticulitis Bedridden, geriatric, debilitated, or pregnant pts Patients with esophageal or gastric retention, dysphagia, or hiatal hernia

Precautions

Difficulty swallowing, children under 6 years of age, longer than one week Lactation: Not known if excreted in breast milk; not recommended

Pregnancy-Lactation

Pregnancy Category: Not recommended (no FDA risk factor assigned) Lactation: Not known if excreted in breast milk; not recommended

Interactions

Adverse Effects

Side effects of Mineral Oil : Lipid pneumonitis if reclined, Incontinence of feces, Intestinal malabsorption, Impaired absorption of fat-soluble vtiamins, Rectal discharge, Anal pruritus and irritation, Abdominal cramps, Nausea, Vomiting, Lipid pneumonitis with aspiration

Mechanism of Action

Emollient; retards colonic absorption of water; decreases water absorption and lubricates intestine, which eases passage of stool.