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Paraffin


Generic Medicine Info
Indications and Dosage
Oral
Constipation
Adult: For temporary symptomatic relief: As oral liquid or solution: 10-30 mL as needed. Alternative dose recommendation: 15-45 mL daily in divided doses or as a single dose at bedtime (Max: 45 mL in 24 hours). Dosage recommendations may vary among countries and between individual products (refer to specific product guidelines).
Child: For temporary symptomatic relief: As oral liquid or solution: ≥3 years 5-20 mL as needed. Alternative dose recommendation: 6-<12 years 5-15 mL daily (Max: 15 mL in 24 hours) in divided doses or as a single dose at bedtime; ≥12 years 15-45 mL daily in divided doses or as a single dose at bedtime (Max: 45 mL in 24 hours). Dosage recommendations and age range of use may vary among countries and between individual products (refer to specific product guidelines).

Rectal
Constipation
Adult: As rectal enema: 120 mL as a single dose. Dosage recommendations may vary among countries and between individual products (refer to specific product guidelines).
Child: ≥12 years As rectal enema: Same as adult dose. Dosage recommendations may vary among countries and between individual products (refer to specific product guidelines).
Contraindications
Abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting. Children <3 years (oral). Contraindications may vary among countries and between individual products (refer to specific product guidelines).
Special Precautions
Patients with swallowing difficulties or impaired neurodevelopment (oral). Avoid long-term use. Not recommended in pregnancy. Lactation.
Adverse Reactions
Significant: Lipid pneumonitis (oral); anal seepage and consequent anal irritation, excessive purgation, watery diarrhoea (excessive doses).
Gastrointestinal disorders: Abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting.
Monitoring Parameters
Monitor for stool consistency and frequency.
Drug Interactions
May impair the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.
Action
Description:
Mechanism of Action: Paraffin is a lubricant laxative. It facilitates stool passage by reducing water absorption and lubricating the intestines. It also slows colonic absorption of water.
Synonym(s): Mineral oil.
Onset: 6-8 hours (oral); 2-15 minutes (rectal).
Pharmacokinetics:
Absorption: Minimally absorbed.
Distribution: Distributed into the mesenteric lymph nodes, intestinal mucosa, spleen, and liver.
Excretion: Via faeces.
Storage
Store below 30°C. Protect from light.
MIMS Class
Laxatives, Purgatives
ATC Classification
A06AA01 - liquid paraffin ; Belongs to the class of softeners, emollients laxatives.
References
Brayfield A, Cadart C (eds). Liquid Paraffin. Martindale: The Complete Drug Reference [online]. London. Pharmaceutical Press. https://www.medicinescomplete.com. Accessed 06/08/2025.

Fleet Liquid (C.B. Fleet Company, Inc.). DailyMed. Source: U.S. National Library of Medicine. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed. Accessed 06/08/2025.

Hovid-Liquid Paraffin (Hovid Berhad). National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency - Ministry of Health Malaysia. https://www.npra.gov.my. Accessed 06/08/2025.

Joint Formulary Committee. Liquid Paraffin. British National Formulary [online]. London. BMJ Group and Pharmaceutical Press. https://www.medicinescomplete.com. Accessed 06/08/2025.

Liquid Paraffin B.P. (Bell, Sons & Co). MHRA. https://products.mhra.gov.uk. Accessed 06/08/2025.

Mineral Oil. Gold Standard Drug Database in ClinicalKey [online]. Elsevier Inc. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed 15/08/2025.

Mineral Oil. UpToDate Lexidrug, AHFS DI (Adult and Pediatric) Online. American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. Waltham, MA. UpToDate, Inc. https://online.lexi.com. Accessed 06/08/2025.

Mineral Oil. UpToDate Lexidrug, Lexi-Drugs Multinational Online. Waltham, MA. UpToDate, Inc. https://online.lexi.com. Accessed 06/08/2025.

Wina Oral Liquid Paraffin 100% w/w (KCK Pharmaceutical Industries Sdn. Bhd.). National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency - Ministry of Health Malaysia. https://www.npra.gov.my. Accessed 06/08/2025.

Disclaimer: This information is independently developed by MIMS based on Paraffin from various references and is provided for your reference only. Therapeutic uses, prescribing information and product availability may vary between countries. Please refer to MIMS Product Monographs for specific and locally approved prescribing information. Although great effort has been made to ensure content accuracy, MIMS shall not be held responsible or liable for any claims or damages arising from the use or misuse of the information contained herein, its contents or omissions, or otherwise. Copyright © 2025 MIMS. All rights reserved. Powered by MIMS.com
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