Liquid Paraffin+magnesium Hydroxide
About
Liquid Paraffin+magnesium Hydroxide belongs to the group of medicines called laxatives used to treat constipation. Constipation refers to infrequent bowel movements in which the stools are often dry, painful and hard to pass. Symptoms include bloating, abdominal pain, and feeling as if the bowel movement is incomplete.
Liquid Paraffin+magnesium Hydroxide contains magnesium hydroxide (osmotic laxative) and liquid paraffin (lubricant). Magnesium hydroxide works by drawing water into the intestine through osmosis, while liquid paraffin has lubricant properties that help retain water in the stools. Together, they make the stool soft making it easier to pass.
Liquid Paraffin+magnesium Hydroxide should be taken as recommended. In some cases, you may experience common side effects such as diarrhoea, abdominal discomfort, pain, or cramps. 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+magnesium Hydroxide if you're allergic to any ingredient in it. Do not take Liquid Paraffin+magnesium Hydroxide for more than a week as it might cause dependency on Liquid Paraffin+magnesium Hydroxide for a bowel movement. Talk to your doctor if you notice any sudden changes in bowel habits that persist for over two weeks. Consult your doctor before taking Liquid Paraffin+magnesium Hydroxide if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Liquid Paraffin+magnesium Hydroxide to be given with caution to children if recommended by the doctor.
Uses of Liquid Paraffin+magnesium Hydroxide
Medicinal Benefits
Liquid Paraffin+magnesium Hydroxide belongs to the group of medicines called laxatives used to treat constipation. It is a combination of two laxatives (stool softeners), namely: magnesium hydroxide (osmotic laxative) and liquid paraffin (lubricant). Magnesium hydroxide works by drawing water into the intestine through osmosis, while liquid paraffin has lubricant properties that help retain water and fat in the stools. Together, they make the stool soft making it easier to pass.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Liquid Paraffin+magnesium Hydroxide
- Diarrhoea
- Abdominal discomfort
- Pain or cramps
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Drink plenty of fluids while taking Liquid Paraffin+magnesium Hydroxide to prevent dehydration. Do not take Liquid Paraffin+magnesium Hydroxide for more than a week as it might cause dependency on Liquid Paraffin+magnesium Hydroxide for a bowel movement. Talk to your doctor if you notice any sudden changes in bowel habits that persist for over two weeks. Consult your doctor before taking Liquid Paraffin+magnesium Hydroxide if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Liquid Paraffin+magnesium Hydroxide to be given with caution to children below the age of 12 if recommended by the doctor.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Liquid Paraffin+magnesium Hydroxide may interact with medicines used to treat pain (e.g. aspirin), certain supplements that help to promote bone health (calcium/vitamin D) and medicines used to treat high blood pressure and oedema (e.g. furosemide)
Drug-Food Interactions: Limit the consumption of alcohol.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Liquid Paraffin+magnesium Hydroxide should not be given to patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), intestinal obstruction disorders, renal dysfunction or kidney failure.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionIt is not known if alcohol interacts with Liquid Paraffin+magnesium Hydroxide. Please consult your doctor if you have any concerns regarding this.
Pregnancy
consult your doctorPlease consult your doctor before taking Liquid Paraffin+magnesium Hydroxide if you are pregnant. Your doctor will recommend only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
consult your doctorConsult your doctor before taking Liquid Paraffin+magnesium Hydroxide; your doctor will decide whether Liquid Paraffin+magnesium Hydroxide can be taken by breastfeeding mothers or not.
Driving
cautionIt is not known if Liquid Paraffin+magnesium Hydroxide affects your ability to drive. Drive or operate machinery only if you are alert.
Liver
cautionConsult your doctor before taking Liquid Paraffin+magnesium Hydroxide if you have a liver impairment or any concerns regarding this. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and potential risks before recommending them.
Kidney
cautionConsult your doctor before taking Liquid Paraffin+magnesium Hydroxide if you have kidney impairment or any concerns regarding this. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and potential risks before recommending them.
Children
cautionLiquid Paraffin+magnesium Hydroxide to be taken with caution in children below the age of 12. Your doctor may adjust the dose depending upon the age. Please consult the doctor.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Try maintaining a balanced diet that includes fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Stay hydrated. 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 fibre-rich foods such as whole-wheat bread, oatmeal, flaxseed, nuts, beans, lentils, fruits (berries, apples, oranges, bananas, pears), vegetables (broccoli, spinach, sweet potatoes, avocados).
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 three 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 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
Liquid Paraffin+magnesium Hydroxide contains magnesium hydroxide and liquid paraffin. Magnesium hydroxide works by drawing water into the intestine through osmosis, while liquid paraffin has lubricant properties that help retain water and fat in the stools. Together, they provide relief from constipation.
Liquid Paraffin+magnesium Hydroxide does not help with weight loss. It does not reduce the absorption of calories or nutrients. Liquid Paraffin+magnesium Hydroxide may cause dehydration which feels like weight loss. Drink enough liquids to prevent dehydration.
Diarrhoea might occur if Liquid Paraffin+magnesium Hydroxide is taken in larger doses. Drink lots of fluids and eat food rich in fibre if you experience diarrhoea. If you find blood in stools (tarry stools) or experience excess diarrhoea consult your doctor. Do not take anti-diarrheal medicine on your own.
Overuse or prolonged use of Liquid Paraffin+magnesium Hydroxide 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.
Consult your doctor before taking Liquid Paraffin+magnesium Hydroxide with other medicines as Liquid Paraffin+magnesium Hydroxide may increase the rate of gastrointestinal transit, which may affect the absorption of other orally administered medicines taken simultaneously.
