Mineral Oil

Mineral Oil is an over-the-counter (OTC) laxative used to relieve occasional constipation. It generally produces bowel movement in 6 to 8 hours.

Mineral Oil is available under the following different brand names: Kondremul Plain.

Dosage Forms and Strengths

Liquid

• 100%

Dosage Considerations – Should be Given as Follows:

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

Common side effects of mineral_oil include:

• Lipid pneumonitis if ingested in reclined body position
• Fecal incontinence
• Intestinal malabsorption
• Impaired absorption of fat-soluble vitamins
• Rectal discharge of mineral oil
• Anal itching and irritation
• Abdominal cramps
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Lipid pneumonitis with aspiration

Serious side effects of mineral oil are rare and include:

• Difficulty breathing
• Persistent cough

This is not a complete list of side effects and other serious side effects may occur. Call your doctor for information and medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

If your doctor has directed you to use this medication for your condition, your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions or side effects and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of this medicine or any medicine before getting further information from your doctor, healthcare provider or pharmacist first.

Mineral Oil has no known severe or serious interactions with other drugs.

Moderate Interactions of mineral oil include:

• beta carotene
• digoxin
• vitamin D

Mineral Oil has mild interactions with at least 24 different drugs.

This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist. Check with your physician if you have health questions or concerns.

Warnings

This medication contains mineral oil. Do not take Kondremul Plain if you are allergic to mineral oil or any ingredients contained in this drug.

Keep out of reach of children. In case of overdose, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center immediately.

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 patients
• Patients with esophageal or gastric retention, dysphagia, or hiatal hernia

Effects of Drug Abuse

No information available

Short-Term Effects

• See "What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Mineral Oil?"

Long-Term Effects

• See "What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Mineral Oil?"

Cautions

• Conditions that interfere with swallowing or epiglottal function may increase risk of aspiration, which can result in lipid pneumonitis.
• Do not administer for more than 1 week.
• Aspiration risk increases in the elderly.

Pregnancy and Lactation

• Mineral oil is not recommended for use during pregnancy (no FDA risk factor has been assigned).
• It is not known if mineral oil is excreted in breast milk; it is not recommended for use while breastfeeding.