Mineral oil is a common over-the-counter product used to remedy occasional irregularity, provide lubrication, or improve skin appearance or health. In reality, mineral oil does not contain minerals, nor is it squeezed from rocks. Instead, pharmaceutical and food-grade mineral oil is purified from crude petroleum oil. As a laxative, mineral oil is taken by mouth or administered as an enema. For uses other than as a laxative, such as baby oil, mineral oil products usually contain other substances, such as petrolatum.
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Mineral Oil overview
BRAND NAMES:
No brand name versions
Generic Names:
Mineral oil
Uses:
Relieves occasional constipation, provides lubrication, and has numerous skin care applications
Therapeutic Classes:
Lubricant laxative, stool softener, lubricant, emollient
Forms:
Liquid
How it’s taken:
By mouth, rectally (enema), on the skin
What is Mineral Oil used for?
As a medicine, mineral oil is primarily used as a lubricant laxative to relieve occasional constipation. Mineral oil is also used as a lubricant, skincare product, or to remove oil-based cosmetics. Mineral oil is a common ingredient in lubricants, hemorrhoid ointments, baby oils, skincare products, moisturizers, and eye lubricants.
What form(s) does Mineral Oil come in
Liquid
100%
Enema
100%
What are common Mineral Oil doses?
Oral dose for occasional constipation:
In adults and children 12 years of age and older: 1–2 tablespoons taken at bedtime
In children 6–12 years of age: 1–3 teaspoons taken at bedtime
Rectal dose for occasional constipation in adults and children 13 years of age and older: 1 bottle (120 mL) once per day as needed
For lubrication or skincare: no dosages are specified
Common Mineral Oil prescriptions
Mineral Oil
135ml of bottle
How to take Mineral Oil
Follow the instructions on the medicine label if you are using this medicine without a prescription.
Do not use more than recommended.
How to take oral mineral oil:
Take only at bedtime.
Take the dose on an empty stomach.
Drink a glass of water after taking a dose.
Do not take more than one dose in a 24-hour period.
How to administer a mineral oil enema:
Mineral oil enemas should only be administered rectally.
Take only at bedtime.
Do not take more than one rectal dose of mineral oil in a 24-hour period.
Follow the label instructions when using topical mineral oil. If you are unsure, talk to a healthcare provider about the proper way to use it.
Store mineral oil in a closed container at room temperature, protected from light.
What to do if you miss a dose of Mineral Oil
Take a missed dose when remembered if constipation is still a problem.
Mineral oil should only be used at bedtime.
Mineral Oil contraindications
You should not use this medicine for constipation if you:
Have had an allergic reaction to mineral oil or the preservative used in the product
Are pregnant
Are bedridden or aged
Have trouble swallowing
Are currently taking a stool softener laxative
Mineral Oil warnings
Tell any doctor treating you that you intermittently use mineral oil to treat constipation.
Do not use mineral oil for constipation if you have:
Abdominal pain
Nausea
Vomiting
Do not use oral mineral oil in people who may have difficulty swallowing because of the risk of aspiration (getting mineral oil into the lungs).
Before using mineral oil as a laxative, make sure your doctor knows if you have had a sudden change in your bowel movements lasting more than 2 weeks.
Stop using this medicine and call your doctor if you:
Have any blood in your stool
Experience bleeding from your rectum
Are unable to have a bowel movement
You may not see results from this medicine for 6 to 8 hours after you use it.
Mineral Oil interactions
Before using mineral oil for constipation, talk to a doctor if you’re taking any medication.
Do not use mineral oil as a laxative if you use another stool softener.
Take the mineral oil dose at least two hours before or two hours after taking any other medication.
Mineral Oil side effects
Serious side effects
Talk to a doctor if you notice any signs or symptoms of a possible serious side effect, including:
Signs of an overdose such as abdominal pain, severe diarrhea, dehydration
Signs of aspiration such as chest pain, cough, shortness of breath, pneumonia
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Less serious side effects
Upset stomach
Loose stools
Sources:
Mineral oil enema drug information, DailyMed (NIH National Library of Medicine)
Mineral oil liquid, Cleveland Clinic
Mineral oil lubricant laxative drug information, DailyMed (NIH National Library of Medicine)
Mineral oil overdose, Mount Sinai
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