Lubricant laxatives

Lubricant laxatives work by coating the stool, which allows it to be expelled more easily. The oily film covering the stool also keeps the stool from losing its water to intestinal reabsorption processes. Mineral oil (liquid petrolatum) is a non-prescription heavy oil that should be used with caution, if at all, since it may be aspirated into the lungs and cause lipoid pneumonia. This is of particular concern in the young or the elderly. 

Lubricant laxatives. Liquid paraffin (paraffinum subliquidum) is almost nonabsorbable and makes feces softer and more easily passed. It interferes with the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins by trapping them. The few absorbed paraffin particles may induce formation of foreign-body granulomas in enteric lymph nodes (paraffinomas). Aspiration into the bronchial tract can result in lipoid pneumonia. Because of these adverse effects, its use is not advisable. 

Brand name Fleet, Zymenol Class Lubricant laxative Manufacturer Generic... 

Liquid paraffin is a mixture of liquid hydrocarbons. Its main use has been as a lubricant laxative but it is not recommended, because of its adverse effects. Nevertheless, it continues to be used for this purpose and is reportedly as effective as lactulose (1). However, the erstwhile Committee on Safety of Medicines in the UK recommended the following precautions (2) ... 

Lubricants work by coating the faeces and rectal wall, thereby aiding expulsion of faeces. A traditional example of a lubricant laxative is liquid paraffin. Lubricants do not work fast enough to be useful prior to radiological imaging. 

A lubricating laxative not very effective if bowel tone is absent or severely reduced... 

Tell the client to take the lubricant laxative castor oil 2 hours after the next meal. 

Mineral oil, a lubricant laxative used as a preparation for a radiologic exam. 

NFPA Health 0, Flammability 1, Reactivity 0 Uses Protectant lubricant binder carrier extender plasticizer, lubricant for plastics pharmaceutical vehicle, solvent, lubricant, laxative cathartic emollient, antistat, solvent in cosmetics agric. paper textiles water treatment floor treatment foods (mold release agent, formula-... 

Erucamidopropyl hydroxysultaine lubricant, laxatives Dioctyl calcium sulfosuccinate... 

Emollient laxatives lubricate the intestinal walls and soften the stool, thereby enhancing passage of fecal material. Mineral oil is an emollient laxative. 

There is also a category of petroleum products known as white oil that generally falls into two classes (1) technical white oil, which is employed for cosmetics, textile lubrication, insecticide vehicles, and paper impregnation, and (2) pharmaceutical white oil, which may is employed medicinally (e.g., as a laxative) or for the lubrication of food-handling machinery. 

Rectal/Bowel examinations Certain stimulant, lubricant, and saline laxatives are used to evacuate the colon for rectal and bowel examinations. 

This is a semisynthetic disaccharide which is not absorbed from the GI tract. It produces an osmotic diarrhoea of low pH, and discourages the proliferation of ammonia-producing bacteria. It is therefore useful in the treatment of hepatic encephalopathy. Osmotic laxatives like lactulose, sorbitol, and lactilol rarely cause significant adverse effects. Glycerol suppositories are useful in softening and lubricating passage of inspissated faeces. 

Therapeutically, mineral oil has been used as a laxative, see Section 14. It is indigestible and thus has limited absorption. Mineral oil is used in ophthalmic formulations for its lubricant properties. It is also used in cosmetics and some food products. ... 

Therapeutically, mineral oil has been used in the treatment of constipation, as it acts as a lubricant and stool softener when taken orally. Daily doses of up to 45 mL have been administered orally, while doses of up to 120 mL have been used as an enema. However, excessive dosage of mineral oil, either orally or rectally, can result in anal seepage and irritation and its oral use as a laxative is not considered desirable. 

Therapeutically, poloxamer 188 is administered orally as a wetting agent and stool lubricant in the treatment of constipation it is usually used in combination with a laxative such as danthron. Poloxamers may also be used therapeutically as wetting agents in eye-drop formulations, in the treatment of kidney stones, and as skin-wound cleansers. 

Dicoumarol, warfarin + laxatives Chronic laxative administration may cause loss of anticoagulant control Two possible effects lubricant oil action may cause decreased absorption of anticoagulant decreased absorption of vitamin K, particularly with oils and emulsions Periodic long-term monitoring of prothrombin times in all suspect patients... 

The easiest position for insertion is to lie the child down on his or her side with knees pulled up. Lubricate the suppository and insert 2-4 cm into the rectum. For a baby, use the little finger to insert for a child or young person, use the index finger. Then gently hold the child s buttocks together for 5 minutes if possible to prevent expulsion of the suppository. If the suppository is for laxative use ensure that the child has easy access to a toilet or potty. Parents... 

War I (35). Although the entire castor plant is poisonous, the seeds contain the highest concentration of ricin (36). For hundreds of years, countries all over the world have cultivated the plant for its oil, specifically for use as a laxative and for lubrication. Castor oil has many industrial and commercial uses, having served as a lubricant for racing engines (Castrol-R racing motor oil) and as an additive in paints and varnishes. One of its derivatives, sebacic acid, is a component in the production of nylon and aUcyd resins, and contributes to the manufacture of plasticizers, lubricants, diffusion pump oils, cosmetics, and candles (35). India is currently the world leader in production, followed by China and Brazil (35). 

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