Liquid paraffin (drug)

Liquiduim paraffinium
Clinical data
Pregnancy
category
  • US: C (Risk not ruled out)
    Routes of
    administration    		 Topical, oral
    ATC code
    Legal status
    Legal status
    Identifiers
    CAS Number
    PubChem SID
    ChemSpider
    • none
    ECHA InfoCard 100.029.438 Edit this at Wikidata
    Chemical and physical data
    Formula C
    n    H
    m

    Liquid paraffin, also known as paraffinum liquidum, is a very highly refined mineral oil used in cosmetics and for medical purposes. This is a UK definition (British Pharmacopoeia) and the term may have different uses in other countries. The cosmetic or medicinal liquid paraffin should not be confused with the paraffin (or kerosene) used as a fuel.

    The term paraffinum perliquidum is sometimes used to denote light liquid paraffin. Conversely, the term paraffinum subliquidum is sometimes used to denote a thicker (more viscous/oily) mineral oil.

    Usage and side effects orally as laxative

    Liquid paraffin is considered to have a limited usefulness as an occasional laxative, but is unsuitable for regular use as it can seep from the anus and cause irritation.

    Efficacy of liquid paraffin is suggested by 2016 Cochrane review.[1]

    It might interfere with the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, though evidences seem low.[2]

    It can be absorbed into the intestinal wall, and may cause foreign-body granulomatous reactions in some rat species but not in others and that reaction might not occur with human.[3]

    There are evidences suggesting the lack of carcinogenicity.[4]

    If it enters the lungs, it can cause lipoid pneumonia.[5]

    Liquid paraffin is also used in combination with magnesium as an osmotic laxative, sold under the trade name Mil-Par (among others).[6]

    Side effects if injected

    Causes granulomatous reactions if injected.[7]

    See also

    References

    1. ↑ Gordon, Morris; MacDonald, John K.; Parker, Claire E.; Akobeng, Anthony K.; Thomas, Adrian G. (2016-08-17). "Osmotic and stimulant laxatives for the management of childhood constipation". The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (8): CD009118. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD009118.pub3. ISSN 1469-493X. PMID 27531591.
    2. ↑ Gal-Ezer, Sharon; Shaoul, Ron (November 2006). "The safety of mineral oil in the treatment of constipation--a lesson from prolonged overdose". Clinical Pediatrics. 45 (9): 856–858. doi:10.1177/0009922806295285. ISSN 0009-9228. PMID 17041175.
    3. ↑ Fleming, null; Zimmerman, null; Shubik, null (February 1998). "Granulomas in the livers of humans and fischer rats associated with the ingestion of mineral hydrocarbons: A comparison". Regulatory toxicology and pharmacology. 27 (1 Pt 2): 75–81. doi:10.1006/rtph.1997.1109. ISSN 1096-0295. PMID 9618325.
    4. ↑ Shoda, T.; Toyoda, K.; Uneyama, C.; Takada, K.; Takahashi, M. (December 1997). "Lack of carcinogenicity of medium-viscosity liquid paraffin given in the diet to F344 rats". Food and Chemical Toxicology. 35 (12): 1181–1190. ISSN 0278-6915. PMID 9449224.
    5. ↑ Alan Nathan. Non-prescription medicines. London: Pharmaceutical Press; 2006 [cited October 8, 2011]. ISBN 978-0-85369-644-5. p. 68.
    6. ↑ "Magnesium & Liquid Paraffin". Patient UK.
    7. ↑ Sejben, István; Rácz, András; Svébis, Mihály; Patyi, Márta; Cserni, Gábor (August 2012). "Petroleum jelly-induced penile paraffinoma with inguinal lymphadenitis mimicking incarcerated inguinal hernia". Canadian Urological Association Journal = Journal De l'Association Des Urologues Du Canada. 6 (4): E137–139. doi:10.5489/cuaj.11146. ISSN 1920-1214. PMC 3430719. PMID 23093564.


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