Mineral Oil (Agoral, Milkinol, Petrogalar Plain)

Category:

Miscellaneous

Description:

Lubricant laxative

Indications:

Bowel evacuation
Constipation

Contraindications:

Appendicitis, acute surgical abdomen, intestinal obstruction
Undiagnosed abdominal pain

Precautions:

Anal seepage
Lipid pneumonitis

Adverse Reactions (Side Effects):

GI: griping, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, perianal irritation, abdominal cramps
CNS: dizziness, syncope

Dosage:

Administered orally and rectally

Adult and children >11 years: PO 15-45ml daily; PR 120ml daily
Child 5-11 years: PO 5-15ml daily. Should not use longer than 1 week. PR 30-60ml as a single dose

Drug interactions:

Lipid-soluble vitamins: absorption of vitamins can be decreased with prolonged administration of mineral oil
Surfactants (e.g., docusate): can facilitate absorption of mineral oil, possibly increasing toxicity

Source: Operational Medicine 2001, Health Care in Military Settings, NAVMED P-5139, May 1, 2001, Bureau of Medicine and Surgery, Department of the Navy, 2300 E Street NW, Washington, D.C., 20372-5300