Lubricant

Liquid paraffin

Liquid paraffin is a mineral-oil lubricant laxative used for the short-term relief of constipation; it is also used as a lubricant in some ophthalmic and skin preparations.

Dosing — being independently re-sourced

ClinCalc Pro is rebuilding its dose data from primary open sources — the manufacturer SmPC (eMC), the WHO Model Formulary and other official references — under clinician review. This drug's structured dose is not yet published here. Confirm all doses against the product SmPC and your local formulary before prescribing.

Clinical monograph

How it works

Taken orally it lubricates and softens the faecal mass by coating the stool and bowel wall, easing passage.

Prescribing in practice

Aspiration of liquid paraffin can cause lipoid pneumonia, so avoid use in those at risk of aspiration and do not take immediately before lying down.
Prolonged use may impair absorption of fat-soluble vitamins and cause anal seepage with irritation, so it is intended only for short-term use.
It is not recommended in young children because of the aspiration risk; reserve oral use for short-term relief in suitable patients.

Monitoring

Routine laboratory monitoring is not required for short-term use; review the response and avoid prolonged or repeated courses.

Counselling the patient

Use this only for short-term relief and do not take it just before going to bed or lying down.
See your clinician if constipation persists rather than continuing it long term.

Evidence & guidelines

Liquid paraffin is a recognised laxative whose use is limited by aspiration and absorption concerns, consistent with cautions in current prescribing references.

Reference: Drug verified in RxNorm (NLM); confirm dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC). Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

Pathways