
Mineral oil is a common over-the-counter medication used to treat constipation. It is a lubricant laxative that works by coating the intestines and stool with a waterproof film, keeping them well-hydrated and thus softened and easier to pass through the system. A 16 fl oz (474 ml) bottle of Equate Mineral Oil Lubricant Laxative Liquid for Constipation can be purchased at Walmart for $2.84. This product is odourless, tasteless, and colourless, and generally produces a bowel movement in 6 to 8 hours. It is intended for adults and children aged 12 and above, with a recommended dosage of 1 to 3 tablespoons (15 to 45 ml) in a 24-hour period.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Price | $2.84 |
Volume | 16 fl oz (474ml) |
Dose | 1 to 3 tablespoons (15 to 45 ml) |
Active Ingredient | Mineral Oil 100% |
Inactive Ingredient | Vitamin E |
Use | Constipation relief |
Age | Adults and children 12 years and older |
Time to Effect | 6 to 8 hours |
Time of Day to Take | Bedtime |
Warnings | Do not use in children under 12, pregnant women, bedridden patients, elderly patients, or if you have difficulty swallowing |
What You'll Learn
Mineral oil is a lubricant laxative
The dosage of mineral oil laxative depends on age, medical condition, and response to treatment. For adults, the typical oral dose is 15 to 45 milliliters (ml). It can be taken as a single daily dose or in divided doses, preferably at bedtime. It is important to carefully measure the dose using a special measuring device or spoon, as household spoons may not provide an accurate measurement. The product package should also be checked to see if the bottle needs to be shaken before each dose.
Mineral oil laxative should be taken as directed by a doctor or according to the instructions on the product package. It is recommended to take this medication on an empty stomach, as it can interfere with the absorption of certain vitamins and nutrients. It should also be taken at least 2 hours apart from other medications to avoid any interference with their effectiveness. Mineral oil typically takes about 6 to 8 hours to produce a bowel movement, so it is often suggested to take it before bedtime to avoid any disruption to sleep.
While mineral oil is generally well-tolerated, there are some possible side effects to be aware of. It may leak from the rectum, especially at higher doses, which can cause irritation and staining of clothes. Lowering the dose may help reduce this problem. In rare cases, serious allergic reactions may occur, including itching, swelling, or breathing difficulties. If any side effects occur, it is important to consult a doctor or pharmacist promptly.
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It treats constipation by keeping water in the stool and intestines
Mineral oil is a lubricant laxative used to treat constipation. It is available in liquid or oral form, or as an enema. It works by keeping water in the stool and intestines, which softens the stool and makes it easier to pass through the intestines.
Mineral oil coats the stool and the inside of the bowel with moisture, preventing the stool from drying out. It generally takes about 6 to 8 hours for mineral oil to work, so it is recommended to take it at bedtime to reduce the chance of having to wake up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom. It is also recommended to take it on an empty stomach, as it can interfere with the absorption of certain vitamins and nutrients.
The dosage of mineral oil depends on age, medical condition, and response to treatment. For adults, the typical oral dose is 15 to 45 milliliters (ml). It is important to carefully measure the dose using a special measuring device or spoon, as household spoons may not provide an accurate dose. It should not be used by older adults, children under 6 years of age, or bedridden patients.
Mineral oil is generally considered safe and effective for treating constipation, but it may cause side effects such as leakage from the rectum, especially at high doses. It can also cause respiratory distress if inhaled, especially in children. Therefore, it is important to follow the directions on the product package or consult a doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
Mineral oil can be purchased at pharmacies or online, such as the Equate Mineral Oil Lubricant Laxative Liquid for Constipation, 16 fl oz (474 mL) available at Walmart for $2.84.
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It is not suitable for children under 6, older adults, or bedridden patients
Mineral oil is a common medication used to treat constipation. It is a lubricant laxative that works by keeping water in the stool and intestines, softening the stool and making it easier to pass through the intestines. While mineral oil is a well-accepted treatment for constipation due to its efficacy and infrequent side effects, it is not suitable for everyone. In particular, it is not recommended for children under 6, older adults, or bedridden patients.
Children under 6: Mineral oil is not recommended for children under 6 years of age as they are more likely to inhale the mineral oil, increasing the risk of pneumonia. This risk is further elevated for children with neurological impairments who may have difficulty swallowing. Inhalation of mineral oil can lead to lipoid pneumonia, a severe and potentially life-threatening complication.
Older adults: Older adults are at an increased risk of accidentally inhaling mineral oil when trying to swallow it. As a result, mineral oil is not recommended for older adults due to the potential for aspiration and other adverse effects.
Bedridden patients: Mineral oil should also be avoided by bedridden patients. This is likely because bedridden patients may have difficulty swallowing or a higher risk of aspiration, similar to the risks faced by older adults and children under 6.
It is important to follow the directions on the product package or the advice of a doctor when using mineral oil or any other medication. Mineral oil should not be used for longer than one week unless directed by a healthcare provider. Additionally, it should not be taken with meals or within two hours of taking certain drugs and vitamins, as it can interfere with their absorption.
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It can be taken orally or as an enema
Mineral oil is a lubricant laxative used to treat constipation. It works by keeping water in the stool and intestines, softening the stool and making it easier to pass through the intestines. It can be taken orally or as an enema.
Oral Mineral Oil
When taken orally, mineral oil should be consumed as directed by a doctor. If you are self-treating, follow the directions on the product package. The dosage is based on your age, medical condition, and response to treatment. It is important to carefully measure the dose using a special measuring device or spoon, as household spoons may not provide an accurate dose. It is recommended to take this medication on an empty stomach, as it can interfere with the absorption of certain vitamins. It should also be taken at least 2 hours apart from other medications. Oral mineral oil generally produces a bowel movement in 6 to 8 hours.
Mineral Oil Enema
The mineral oil enema is a good option for those with very hard stools or difficulty passing them. It is also suitable for individuals recovering from surgery, childbirth, or suffering from hemorrhoids. The enema is inserted rectally and works in 2 to 15 minutes. It is important to follow the instructions for proper insertion and to retain the enema as directed by a doctor. The dosage for the enema may vary depending on age, with different amounts recommended for children and adults.
Mineral oil, whether taken orally or as an enema, should not be used for more than 7 days unless directed by a doctor. It is important to discontinue use and seek medical advice if you experience any rectal bleeding or failure to have a bowel movement after using the product.
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It should not be taken with meals
A 16-ounce bottle of mineral oil stimulant laxative costs $2.84 at Walmart. This product is used to treat constipation and is meant to be taken orally.
Why It Should Not Be Taken With Meals
Mineral oil laxatives should not be taken with meals because they can interfere with the absorption of several important nutrients. This includes minerals like calcium, phosphorus, and potassium, as well as fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K. This is also why it is not recommended for pregnant women to treat constipation. To ensure your body still gets all the nutrients it needs while taking this medication, consider taking nutritional supplements at least two hours before or after consuming mineral oil.
Mineral oil laxatives are meant to be taken at bedtime, preferably on an empty stomach. This is because the medication can cause an upset stomach and nausea. Taking it at night also reduces the chance of having to wake up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom, as the laxative takes about 6 to 8 hours to work.
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Frequently asked questions
16 fl oz of mineral oil laxative costs $2.84 at Walmart.
Mineral oil is a lubricant laxative used to treat constipation. It coats the stool and the inside of the bowel with moisture, making it easier to pass through your system.
Mineral oil keeps water in the stool and intestines, softening the stool and making it easier to pass through the intestines.
Mineral oil should not be used by older adults, children younger than 6 years, or people who are bedridden. It is also not recommended for pregnant women or those taking certain medications like blood thinners.