mineral oil

What is mineral oil, and what is it used for?

Mineral oil is a liquid lubricant laxative available over the counter (OTC) taken orally to relieve occasional constipation. Mineral oil is a purified petroleum product and is not well-absorbed systemically.

Mineral oil reduces the absorption of water from fecal matter in the colon, softening and lubricating the stool, making it easier to pass. Oral mineral oil typically produces a bowel movement in six to eight hours. Mineral oil may also be administered as a rectal enema.

Warnings

• Do not take if you are hypersensitive to mineral oil or any of its components.
• Do not use mineral oil in patients with the following conditions:
• Do not administer mineral oil to patients with any condition that increases the risk for aspiration. Aspiration risk is higher in elderly patients. Aspiration of mineral oil can cause inflammation of the lungs (lipid pneumonitis).
• Do not administer mineral oil to children younger than 6 years of age.
• Avoid use of mineral oil during pregnancy.

What are the side effects of mineral oil?

Common side effects of mineral oil include:

Call your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms or serious side effects while using this drug:

• Serious heart symptoms include fast or pounding heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, shortness of breath, and sudden dizziness;
• Severe headache, confusion, slurred speech, severe weakness, vomiting, loss of coordination, feeling unsteady;
• Severe nervous system reaction with very stiff muscles, high fever, sweating, confusion, fast or uneven heartbeats, tremors, and feeling like you might pass out; or
• Serious eye symptoms include blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain or swelling, or seeing halos around lights.

This is not a complete list of all side effects or adverse reactions that may occur from the use of this drug. Call your doctor for medical advice about serious side effects or adverse reactions. You may also report side effects or health problems to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What are the dosages of mineral oil?

Liquid

Constipation

Adult

• 15-45 mL/day orally, single or divided doses
• Kondremul: 30-75 mL/day

Pediatric

Children under 6 years

• 15-30 mL/year of age; not to exceed 240 mL/day

Children 6-12 years

• 5-15 mL/day divided once/day, single or divided doses
• Kondremul: 10-25 mL/day

Children over 12 years

• 15-45 mL/day orally, single or divided doses
• Kondremul: 30-75 mL/day

Dosing considerations

• Take only at bedtime
• Do not take with meals
• May take as a single dose or divided dose

What drugs interact with mineral oil?

Inform your doctor of all medications you are currently taking, who can advise you on any possible drug interactions. Never begin taking, suddenly discontinue, or change the dosage of any medication without your doctor’s recommendation.

• Mineral oil has no known severe or serious interactions with other drugs.
• Moderate Interactions of mineral oil include:
• Mineral oil has mild interactions with at least 21 different drugs.

The drug interactions listed above are not all of the possible interactions or adverse effects. For more information on drug interactions, visit the RxList Drug Interaction Checker.

It is important to always tell your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider of all prescription and over-the-counter medications you use, as well as the dosage for each, and keep a list of the information. Check with your doctor or health care provider if you have any questions about the medication.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• Constipation during pregnancy should ideally be managed with moderate exercise and dietary intake of fiber and fluid. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies of mineral oil use in pregnant women. Mineral oil may impair maternal absorption of fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K. Use mineral oil only if maternal benefits justify potential risks to the fetus.
• It is not known if mineral oil is excreted in breast milk. Occasional short-term use may be acceptable in nursing mothers if increasing fluid and fiber do not help.
• Check with your healthcare provider before taking mineral oil if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

What else should I know about mineral oil?

• Take mineral oil exactly as prescribed or if you are self-medicating with OTC drug, as per label instructions.
• Mineral oil may affect the absorption of other drugs. If you are taking other drugs, take mineral oil two or more hours before or after.
• Do not take mineral oil for longer than one week, unless directed by your physician.
• If you fail to have a bowel movement or experience rectal bleeding after taking mineral oil, stop taking mineral oil and consult with your physician.
• If you notice sudden changes in bowel habits which last over 2 weeks or if you develop abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or rectal bleeding after using mineral oil, consult with your physician.
• Store safely out of reach of children.