Mineral Oil Laxative Safety

Mineral oil is available over the counter in drug stores, pharmacies and other retail stores. When recommended by a physician, mineral oil is safe to take as an oral laxative treatment for children and adults. Mineral oil may also be used as an enema laxative.

Function

• Mineral oil is a lubricant, which means as a laxative, it coats the bowels with a thin film of oil that moistens and softens stools so that they move more easily through the intestines.

Identification

• Mineral oil is a colorless, tasteless, petroleum-based oil that is sold as plain mineral oil or in combination with other ingredients such as magnesium hydroxide.

Features

• Mineral oil is considered a safe, gentle laxative because it does not have the same strong stimulating effect on the intestines as many other laxatives.

Types

• The oral form of mineral oil takes up to eight hours to exert its laxative effect. The enema form has the same lubricant effect as the oral form, but it also distends the rectum and takes effect within minutes.

Considerations

• If overused, mineral oil can cause anal leakage along with deficiencies of the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K. Consult your doctor before taking mineral oil with any other drugs, including other laxatives and stool softeners.

Warning

• If mineral oil is accidently inhaled into the lungs from the mouth, or from stomach back-up, it can lead to aspiration pneumonia, according to the Milton S. Hershey Medical Center at Penn State University.