mineral oil (oral/rectal)
What is the most important information I should know about mineral oil?
Before using mineral oil tell your doctor about all your medical conditions or allergies, all medicines you use, and if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
What is mineral oil?
Mineral oil is used to treat occasional constipation. The oral form is taken by mouth. The rectal form is used as an enema applied in the rectum.
Mineral oil may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using mineral oil?
People with eating disorders (such as anorexia or bulimia) should not use laxatives without a doctor's advice.
You should not use mineral oil if you are allergic to it.
Do not take oral mineral oil if:
- you have trouble swallowing;
- you are pregnant; or
- you are ill, debilitated, or bedridden.
Do not give oral mineral oil to a child younger than 12 years old. Do not use rectal mineral oil in a child younger than 2 years old.
Ask a doctor or pharmacist if oral or rectal mineral oil is safe to use if you have:
- stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting;
- a bowel obstruction or severe constipation;
- a sudden change in bowel habits lasting 2 weeks or longer; or
- if you have used any other laxative within the past 7 days.
Ask a doctor before using rectal mineral oil if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
Do not take oral mineral oil if you are pregnant.
How should I use mineral oil?
Use mineral oil at bedtime, exactly as directed on the label or as prescribed by your doctor.
Do not take oral mineral oil with meals.
Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you do not understand these instructions.
Wash your hands before and after using the enema.
Do not use more than 1 mineral oil enema in a 24-hour period.
Each enema bottle is for one use only. Throw away after one use, even if there is still some medicine left inside.
Oral mineral oil should produce a bowel movement within 6 to 8 hours. Rectal mineral oil should produce a bowel movement within 2 to 15 minutes.
Call your doctor if you do not get any results after using this medicine.
Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Do not freeze. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.
Do not use mineral oil for longer than 1 week unless your doctor has told you to.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Since mineral oil is used as needed, you will not be on a frequent dosing schedule. Do not use a mineral oil enema more than one time in a 24-hour period.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should I avoid while using mineral oil?
Do not take the rectal enema by mouth. It is for use only in your rectum.
Do not use other laxatives while using this medication, unless your doctor has told you to.
What are the possible side effects of mineral oil?
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop using mineral oil and call your doctor at once if you have:
- no bowel movement after use;
- rectal bleeding;
- blood in your stools; or
- severe and worsening stomach pain, cramping, or bloating.
Common side effects may include:
- mild diarrhea;
- gas; or
- stomach cramps.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What other drugs will affect mineral oil?
Other drugs may affect mineral oil, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
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