Mineral oil (oral/rectal)

Mineral oil is used to treat occasional constipation. The oral form is taken by mouth. The rectal form is used as an enema applied in the rectum.

Mineral oil may also be used for reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.

Before using mineral oil, inform your doctor about all your medical conditions or allergies, all medicines you take, and if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

People with eating disorders (like anorexia or bulimia) should not use laxatives without talking to a doctor first.

You should not use mineral oil if you are allergic to it.

Do not take oral mineral oil if:

• you have trouble swallowing;
• you are pregnant; or
• you are ill, weak, or confined to bed.

Do not give oral mineral oil to a child younger than 12 years old. Do not use rectal mineral oil in a child younger than 2 years old.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe to use oral or rectal mineral oil if you have:

• stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting;
• a bowel obstruction or severe constipation;
• a sudden change in bowel habits lasting 2 weeks or longer; or
• if you have used any other laxative within the past 7 days.

Ask a doctor before using rectal mineral oil if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

Do not take oral mineral oil if you are pregnant.

Get emergency medical help if you notice any signs of an allergic reaction: hives; trouble breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Mineral oil may lead to serious side effects. Stop using mineral oil and contact your doctor immediately if you experience:

• no bowel movement after use;
• rectal bleeding;
• blood in your stools; or
• severe and worsening stomach pain, cramping, or bloating.

Common side effects of mineral oil can include:

• mild diarrhea;
• gas; or
• stomach cramps.

This is not a complete list of side effects, and others may happen. Contact your doctor for advice about side effects. You can report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Use mineral oil at bedtime, exactly as directed on the label or as prescribed by your doctor.

Do not take oral mineral oil with meals.

Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you do not understand these instructions.

Wash your hands before and after using the enema.

Do not use more than 1 mineral oil enema in a 24-hour period.

Each enema bottle is for one use only. Throw away after one use, even if there is still some medicine left inside.

Oral mineral oil should produce a bowel movement within 6 to 8 hours. Rectal mineral oil should produce a bowel movement within 2 to 15 minutes.

Call your doctor if you do not get any results after using mineral oil.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Do not freeze. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.

Do not use mineral oil for longer than 1 week unless your doctor has told you to.

Since mineral oil is used as needed, you will not have a regular dosing schedule. Do not use a mineral oil enema more than one time in a 24-hour period.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Do not take the rectal enema by mouth. It is for use only in your rectum.

Do not use other laxatives while using this medication, unless your doctor has told you to.

Other drugs may affect mineral oil, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform your doctor about all the medicines you are currently taking and any medicine you begin or discontinue using.