Liquid paraffin (medicinal)

Liquid paraffin (medicinal), also known as mineral oil or white oil, is a highly refined mineral oil used in cosmetics and for medical purposes. This colorless and odorless oil is a byproduct of the distillation of petroleum to produce gasoline and other petroleum-based products. Liquid paraffin is used in a variety of medical, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic applications due to its ability to soften and smooth the skin, as well as its use as a laxative when ingested.

Uses

Liquid paraffin is utilized in several ways in the medical field:

• As a laxative, it works by coating the bowel's contents, preventing water from being absorbed back into the body and thereby softening stools. This mechanism helps in easing constipation.
• In dermatology, it is used as an emollient to manage dry skin conditions, such as eczema and psoriasis. It helps by creating a barrier on the skin's surface, which aids in moisture retention.
• It is also used in the compounding of various pharmaceutical creams, ointments, and lotions.

Safety and Side Effects

While liquid paraffin is generally considered safe for topical use, its ingestion, especially over long periods, can lead to several side effects. These include:

• Malabsorption of vitamins A, D, E, and K, as liquid paraffin can absorb fat-soluble vitamins from the intestine.
• Aspiration pneumonia, a risk if liquid paraffin is inhaled into the lungs, particularly in individuals with swallowing difficulties.
• Anal leakage or seepage if used excessively as a laxative.

Regulation

In many countries, liquid paraffin for medicinal use is regulated and must meet specific purity standards. It is available over the counter in pharmacies and health stores, often labeled as "mineral oil" for external use or as a laxative for internal use.

Pharmacology

The pharmacological action of liquid paraffin as a laxative is primarily physical rather than chemical. It acts by coating the stool and the gastrointestinal tract with a waterproof layer, which helps to retain water in the stool. This action results in softer stools and easier defecation.

See Also

• Petroleum jelly, another petroleum byproduct used in skincare.
• Castor oil, a plant-based oil also used as a laxative.
• Stool softener, a category of laxatives that includes liquid paraffin.