Liquid Paraffin
About
Liquid Paraffin belongs to the group of medicines called 'laxatives' used to treat constipation in conditions like piles, fistula, fissures, pre/post-operative conditions, elderly and bed-ridden patients. Constipation refers to infrequent bowel movements in which the stools are often dry, painful, and hard to pass.
Liquid Paraffin consists of liquid paraffin, which works by lubricating or softening the faeces and coating the intestine or bowel with an oil film. Thus, Liquid Paraffin reduces the pain caused by anorectal diseases like piles, fistula, or fissures, thereby relieving constipation.
You are advised to take Liquid Paraffin for as long as your doctor has recommended it for you, depending on your medical condition. You may experience certain common side effects such as diarrhea, abdominal discomfort, pain, or cramps in some cases. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if you experience these side effects persistently.
Do not take Liquid Paraffin for more than a week as it might cause dependency on Liquid Paraffin for a bowel movement. Talk to your doctor if you notice any sudden changes in bowel habits that persist for over 2 weeks. Consult your doctor before taking Liquid Paraffin if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Liquid Paraffin should not be given to children as safety and effectiveness have not been established.
Uses of Liquid Paraffin
Medicinal Benefits
Liquid Paraffin belongs to the group of medicines called laxatives used to treat constipation associated with piles, anal fissures, hernia, cardiovascular disorders, endoscopy, bowel clearance before radioscopy, pre/post-operative conditions, elderly and bed-ridden patients. Liquid Paraffin is a lubricant that works by lubricating the bowels and softening the stools.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Liquid Paraffin
- Diarrhoea
- Abdominal discomfort
- Pain or cramps
- Nausea
- Vomiting
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Do not take Liquid Paraffin if you are allergic to any of its contents, if you have had acute abdominal surgery, intestinal obstruction, or undiagnosed abdominal pain. Drink plenty of fluids (at least 6-8 glasses) while taking Liquid Paraffin. Do not take Liquid Paraffin for more than a week as it might cause dependency on Liquid Paraffin for a bowel movement. Talk to your doctor if you notice any sudden changes in bowel habits that persist for over 2 weeks. Consult your doctor before taking Liquid Paraffin if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Liquid Paraffin should not be given to children as safety and effectiveness have not been established.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Liquid Paraffin may have interaction with antibiotics (tetracycline), diuretics (furosemide), and steroids (prednisolone).
Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found/established.
Drug-Disease Interaction: Liquid Paraffin may interact with intestinal obstruction disorder, appendicitis, intestinal blockage, and bowel inflammation.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionIt is not known if alcohol interacts with Liquid Paraffin. Please consult your doctor if you have any concerns regarding this.
Pregnancy
cautionPlease consult your doctor before taking Liquid Paraffin if you are pregnant. Your doctor will recommend you Liquid Paraffin if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
cautionConsult your doctor before taking Liquid Paraffin if you are breastfeeding. Your doctor will decide if Liquid Paraffin can be taken by breastfeeding mothers or not.
Driving
cautionLiquid Paraffin has negligible influence in your ability to drive.
Liver
cautionPlease consult your doctor before taking Liquid Paraffin if you have liver impairment/liver disease.
Kidney
cautionPlease consult your doctor before taking Liquid Paraffin if you have kidney impairment/kidney disease.
Children
unsafeLiquid Paraffin should not be given to children as safety and effectiveness have not been established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Try maintaining a balanced diet that includes fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Stay hydrated, and drink enough water and fluids.
- Exercise regularly, and stay fit.
- Get enough sleep.
- Try making time to empty your bowels whenever the body tells you to.
- Eat food rich in fibre such as whole-wheat bread, oatmeal, flaxseed, nuts, beans, lentils, fruits (berries, apples, oranges, bananas, pears, figs), and vegetables (broccoli, spinach, sweet potatoes, avocados).
Special Advise
Do not use Liquid Paraffin for more than 7 days without a doctor's advice.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Constipation: It refers to infrequent bowel movements. The stools are often dry, painful, and hard to pass. Constipation is a condition in which the person has fewer than 3 bowel movements in a week. However, bowel patterns may vary from person to person. Symptoms include bloating, abdominal pain, and feeling as if the bowel movement is incomplete. Constipation occurs when the normal muscle contractions in the large intestine slow down, which causes the incomplete elimination of the bowel from the body. Constipation could be associated with a sudden change of diet, a diet with less fibre, not drinking enough liquids, lack of exercise, loss of tone of the bowel muscles in older people, or staying in bed for a longer duration.
FAQs
Do not take Liquid Paraffin for more than a week as it might lead to dependency on Liquid Paraffin for a bowel movement. Taking Liquid Paraffin for longer durations might also cause dehydration, imbalance of fluids, and salts in the body, affecting the intestine's tightness. If your bowel movement is irregular even after taking Liquid Paraffin for a week, consult your doctor.
Liquid Paraffin does not help with weight loss. It does not reduce the absorption of calories or nutrients. Liquid Paraffin may cause dehydration which feels like weight loss. Drink enough liquids to prevent dehydration.
Consult your doctor before taking Liquid Paraffin with other medicines as Liquid Paraffin may increase the rate of gastrointestinal transit, and this may affect the absorption of other orally administered medicines given simultaneously.
Overuse or prolonged use of Liquid Paraffin may cause dehydration. Severe dehydration may cause weakness, tremors, fainting, and blurry vision. Consult your doctor immediately if you experience these symptoms. Drink enough fluids to avoid dehydration.
Diarrhoea might occur if Liquid Paraffin is taken in larger doses. Drink lots of fluids and eat non-spicy food if you experience diarrhoea. If you find blood in your stools (tarry stools) or experience severe diarrhoea, consult your doctor. Do not take anti-diarrheal medicine on your own.
