How to relieve constipation with mineral oil?

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Posted by Master, Doctor Mai Vien Phuong - Department of Examination & Internal Medicine - Vinmec Central Park International General Hospital

There are many prescription and over-the-counter laxatives available to treat constipation. One of these options is mineral oil. Mineral oil is a lubricating laxative. It has been used for many years to make bowel movements easier and is generally considered safe and effective.

1. An overview of mineral oil's role in constipation

Constipation is an uncomfortable, sometimes painful condition. It occurs when the movement of stool through the intestines slows down. The stool may become dry and hard. This makes them difficult to overcome.
Most people have at least one episode of constipation. Some people have it on a regular basis.
If you are constipated, it may mean you have infrequent bowel movements. This means having fewer than three bowel movements per week.
Use mineral oil for constipation
Mineral oil coats the stool and the inside of the intestines with moisture. This keeps the stool from drying out.
You can buy mineral oil at pharmacies. It is available in liquid or oral form, or as an enema.
Drink plain liquid or mix with water or other beverage. Mineral oil enema usually comes in the form of a squeezable tube. This allows you to deliver the oil directly into the rectum.
Since mineral oil takes about 8 hours to work, consider taking it right before bed. This can limit or reduce your chances of waking up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom.
Avoid taking with meals because mineral oil can interfere with your body's absorption of some important nutrients. This is also why it is not recommended for pregnant women to treat constipation.
Do not take mineral oil within 2 hours of taking another medicine because it may affect the effectiveness of the other medicine.

2. Dosage

Laxatives are sold as plain mineral oil and as mineral oil emulsions, which means the oil has been mixed with another liquid. Regardless of what laxative mineral oil you buy, make sure to follow the instructions carefully.
Oral dose of 15 to 30 milliliters (ml) of mineral oil for children under 6 years of age. These numbers may vary depending on the product. Some doctors say that children under the age of 6 should not take mineral oil.

If you have questions, ask your doctor about any changes in the guidelines or recommendations for mineral oil as a laxative.
Adults can take 15 to 45ml of mineral oil. These numbers will vary depending on the product. Ask your doctor about the right dosage for you.
Like other laxatives, mineral oil provides short-term pain relief. If you have used it successfully but your constipation problem continues, your doctor may recommend careful use. But try to avoid using it for a long time.
Talk to your doctor if you do not notice any improvement after a week of using this laxative.

3. Possible side effects

Be careful when giving mineral oil to children. If a child breathes it in, it can lead to difficulty breathing. It can also lead to pneumonia.
If you or your child develop cough or other breathing problems after starting mineral oil, let your doctor know.
Since you cannot digest mineral oil, some may leak out of the rectum. This can be messy and irritate the rectum. Taking a smaller dose can help with this problem.
Allergy to mineral oil is unusual. If you have problems with itching, swelling or difficulty breathing, seek immediate medical attention.
Conclusion
Mineral oil laxatives work after the first dose. Otherwise, check product labels or discuss your options with your doctor. It may take a few days for you to go into remission.
If there is no improvement after a week, you may need to try a different laxative.
If you have had success with mineral oil, be careful not to overdo it. It is possible to use laxatives so much that you end up having trouble having a bowel movement if you don't use laxatives.
Department of Endoscopy - Gastroenterology is one of the key specialties at Vinmec International General Hospital. For timely examination, advice and treatment of digestive diseases, you can contact Vinmec Health System nationwide or register online on the website for service.

Please dial HOTLINE for more information or register for an appointment HERE. Download MyVinmec app to make appointments faster and to manage your bookings easily.

References
Mayo Clinic Staff. (2018). Constipation. mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/constipation/symptoms-causes/syc-20354253 Mineral oil. (n.d.). nationalmssociety.org/Treating-MS/Medications/Mineral-oil