This medication is used to treat common constipation. Mineral oil belongs to a class of drugs known as lubricant laxatives. It works by making it easier for material to pass through the intestines and by increasing the amount of water in the stool, making it softer and easier to pass.

Mineral oil laxatives should not be used in children younger than 6 years or in bedridden, elderly, or very sick/weak patients.

Take this medication by mouth, usually once daily at bedtime. If your doctor has prescribed this medication, take it exactly as directed. Use a medication-measuring device to accurately measure the correct dose. Do not use a household spoon.

Dosage is based on your age, medical condition, and response to treatment. Check the product label for the correct dose for your age.

Drink plenty of fluids (6 to 8 large glasses) throughout the day while taking this medication unless your doctor has instructed you to limit fluids.

Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day. Do not use this laxative for more than 7 days in a row unless directed to do so by your doctor.

Tell your doctor if your constipation persists for more than 7 days or if you are unable to pass a stool after using this product for 3 days. These may be signs of a more serious problem.

Side effects of mineral oil are not common with proper usage. Anal leakage of mineral oil may occur, especially with higher doses. Leakage may cause soiling of skin/clothing or anal irritation/itching. It may also increase the risk of infection and slow healing of anal sores. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

If your doctor has directed you to use this medication, remember that he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Stop this medication and tell your doctor immediately if you experience the following symptoms since these may be signs of a more serious problem: rectal bleeding, bloody stools, sweating, fast heartbeat, weakness, dizziness, fainting.

Rarely, and only with persistent use, mineral oil may cause absorption problems with certain vitamins from the diet (vitamins A, E, D, and K). A lack of these vitamins can cause other medical problems. Tell your doctor immediately if you notice easy bruising/bleeding. This effect can be decreased by taking mineral oil on an empty stomach 2 to 3 hours after eating and by limiting the use of the drug to 7 days in a row.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Before taking mineral oil, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies.

This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: swallowing problems, stomach emptying problems, hiatal hernia, sudden/undiagnosed abdominal pain, nausea/vomiting, other symptoms of appendicitis (e.g., very tense abdomen, fever, chills), blockage in the intestines, hole in the intestines (perforation), recent worsening of colitis.

This medication should not be used during pregnancy. Some infants born to mothers taking mineral oil laxatives while pregnant have had bleeding problems. Contact your doctor for more information.

It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor or pharmacist first.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: birth control pills, anticoagulant drugs ("blood thinners") such as warfarin, carotene.

Mineral oil may decrease the absorption of many other drugs. Take your other medications at least 2 hours before a mineral oil dose.

This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US National Poison Hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

Do not share this medication with others.

To help decrease constipation, drink 6 to 8 glasses (8 ounces or 240 milliliters) of fluids daily, increase exercise, and increase fiber in your diet.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Store at room temperature between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C). Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.

Information last revised October 2008 Copyright(c) 2008 First DataBank, Inc.