Mineral oil laxative side effects

Mineral oil laxative and the main facts

This natural laxative for constipation is one of those that do not have to be prescribed by the doctor, but they can be bought in the nearest pharmacy without a prescription. If taken orally, then it should be taken on an empty stomach or 2 hours after the meal, preferably, before going to bed. It can also be found in the form of enema or suppository, and as such, it is placed in rectum. It is important to be aware of the fact that, even though it is easily available, it should not be used on the long run.

Side effects of mineral oil laxative and cases in which it should not be used

As for the possible side effects, some certainly are possible, and even though sometimes it is impossible to predict whether they will appear or not, there are some cases in which it is better simply to avoid the use of mineral oil laxative. For example, children younger than 6 and elderly people should not use them at all due to increased susceptibility of developing pneumonia. Pregnant and lactating women should not use it either, due to the fact that longer use can provoke fetal bleeding, while otherwise, this mineral oil tends to prevent the absorption of minerals and vitamin A, D, E and K. People who have any kind of problem with the functioning of their kidneys should not use it because one of the possible side effects is electrolytic imbalance.

People who have Crohn’s disease or some other bowel disease should refrain from using this laxative, because side effects such as bloating, cramping, nausea and vomiting might appear. These are the most commonly experienced side effects, although it is also possible that the person who uses it develops some kind of addiction after only a week of regular use, which will result in decreased bowel response. Very rarely, diarrhea and vomiting occur as side effects, and in cases in which the dosage is increased, it might result in the leakage from the rectum.

As far as possible interactions are concerned, when it comes to simultaneous use of mineral oil laxative and other medications, so far there are some notions that suggest it should not be combined with oral contraceptives and medications that are known as blood thinners, because this laxative might prevent their absorption.