mineral oil (OTC)

Frequency Not Defined

Lipid pneumonitis if reclined

Incontinence of feces

Intestinal malabsorption

Impaired absorption of fat-soluble vitamins

Rectal discharge

Anal pruritus and irritation

Abdominal cramps

Nausea

Vomiting

Lipid pneumonitis with aspiration

Contraindications

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

Cautions

Conditions that interfere with swallowing or epiglottal function may increase risk of aspiration, which can result in lipid pneumonitis

Do not administer >1 week

Aspiration risk increases in the elderly

Pregnancy Category: Not recommended (no FDA risk factor assigned)

Lactation: Not known if excreted in breast milk; not recommended

Pregnancy Categories

A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.

B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk.

C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done.

D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk.

X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist.

NA: Information not available.

Mechanism of Action

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

Pharmacokinetics

Onset of action: 6-8 hr (PO)

Distribution: Colon

Excretion: Feces

Absorption: minimal