Indications
Liquid Paraffin is a mineral oil with two main uses. Taken by mouth, usually combined with Magnesium Hydroxide, it is used for short-term relief of constipation and to soften stools, for example after surgery or in people with piles (haemorrhoids) or anal fissure. Applied to the skin, often with White Soft Paraffin, it is used as a moisturiser (emollient) for dry, scaly skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and ichthyosis.
How It Works
By mouth, it coats and softens the stool and lubricates the bowel so the stool passes more easily. When combined with Magnesium Hydroxide, the magnesium draws water into the bowel and adds a mild laxative effect. On the skin, it forms a thin oily layer that stops water from escaping, so the skin stays soft and less itchy.
Dosage and Administration
- By mouth, adults: usually 10 to 20 ml once a day, or as directed on the label of the combination product. Do not take it just before lying down, and do not take it with meals.
- Children: only as prescribed. It should not be given by mouth to children under 3 years.
- By mouth, use only for a short time. If constipation lasts longer than 1 week, see a doctor.
- On the skin: apply generously to dry skin as often as needed, ideally after a bath while the skin is still slightly damp.
Shake oral emulsions or suspensions well before use.
Interactions
Taken by mouth for a long time, it reduces the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E and K) and some other medicines. Products that contain Magnesium Hydroxide can reduce the absorption of some antibiotics (such as Ciprofloxacin and Tetracycline), iron and thyroid tablets, so take other medicines at least 2 hours apart. The skin products do not usually interact with other medicines.
Contraindications
- Bowel blockage, severe stomach pain or vomiting of unknown cause, or appendicitis.
- Children under 3 years (by mouth).
- People who have difficulty swallowing, or bedridden elderly people, because oil can be breathed into the lungs.
- Severe kidney disease, for products with Magnesium Hydroxide.
- Allergy to any ingredient of the product.
Side Effects
By mouth: oily leakage from the back passage, anal itching, mild stomach cramps and diarrhoea. Long-term use can lower vitamin levels. If the oil gets into the lungs, it can cause a type of pneumonia. On the skin: rarely irritation, blocked pores or spots.
Get urgent medical help if you have severe stomach pain, bleeding from the back passage, persistent vomiting, or cough and breathing difficulty after taking it by mouth.
Pregnancy and Lactation
Avoid regular use by mouth during pregnancy, as it can reduce vitamin absorption; ask a doctor about a suitable laxative. Skin products are safe to use in pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Precautions and Warnings
Do not use by mouth for long periods unless a doctor advises it. Elderly people and those with kidney problems should use magnesium-containing products with care. Fire risk: clothing, bedding and dressings soaked with paraffin skin products can catch fire easily, so keep away from flames and do not smoke, and change and wash fabrics often.
Overdose
Too much by mouth can cause diarrhoea, stomach cramps and oily leakage. With magnesium-containing products, very large amounts may cause weakness or drowsiness, especially in people with kidney problems. Seek medical advice.
Therapeutic Class
Lubricant laxative (by mouth); emollient (on the skin).
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children. Do not freeze oral emulsions.
Prepared by the Oshud Alo team from standard drug references. For information only; always follow your doctor's advice.