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Overview: Mineral oil is a liquid that is taken by mouth for occasional constipation. Common side effects may include rectal leaking or discharge, anal itching or irritation, stomach cramps, nausea, or vomiting. After taking mineral oil, it is normal to poop in about six to eight hours. Stop taking mineral oil and contact your health care provider if you have rectal bleeding or if you do not poop after using it.

Uses

What is mineral oil used for?

Mineral oil is commonly used to help with occasional constipation and irregularity.

Mineral oil may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does mineral oil work (mechanism of action)?

Mineral oil is a lubricant laxative. It allows you to keep more water in your stool. It also helps to lubricate your intestines. Both of these help you poop, which can relieve constipation and irregularity.

How is mineral oil supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Fleet
  • Kondremul

Example dosage forms and strengths

  • 99.9%, 100% liquid

See also: Mineral Oil topical

How should I store mineral oil?

Mineral oil should usually be stored with the lid on tight and at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). Storage requirements for mineral oil may not be provided with the product packaging. Most medicines should be kept in a cool, dry location that is out of reach of children and pets and not in direct light.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of mineral oil?

The most common side effects of mineral oil are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Rectal discharge or leaking
  • Itching or irritation of your anal area
  • Stomach cramps
  • Nausea or vomiting

There may be other side effects of mineral oil that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of mineral oil?

While less common, the most serious side effects of mineral oil are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Mineral oil may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking mineral oil and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use mineral oil?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take mineral oil.

  • Mineral oil
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific mineral oil products they stock.

Pregnancy. Do not take mineral oil if you are pregnant. If you become pregnant, contact your health care provider right away. See the Pregnancy section for more details.

Swallowing problems. You should not take mineral oil if you have trouble swallowing.

Unable to get out of bed. You should not take mineral oil if you are bedridden or unable to get out of bed.

Certain children. Children younger than 6 years old should not take mineral oil unless your health care provider recommends it.

What should I know about mineral oil before using it?

Read and follow the directions that come with the medicine or take it as your health care provider recommends. After taking mineral oil, it is normal to poop in about six to eight hours.

Do not take mineral oil for longer than one week unless your health care provider tells you to. Taking mineral oil often or for a long period of time may increase your risk of being dependent on laxatives. This means your body relies on the medicine to poop regularly.

Mineral oil should be swallowed. If you get mineral oil in your eyes, wash them gently with water for 15 minutes. If you are concerned after washing your eyes, contact your health care provider.

Some mineral oil products need to be shaken before measuring each dose. Follow the directions on the medicine label. Use an accurate measuring device to measure your dose. A household spoon is not an accurate measuring device and may cause you to take the wrong dose. Ask your pharmacist what measuring device to use.

Keep mineral oil out of the reach of children and pets.

Stop taking mineral oil and contact your health care provider if you have any of the following.

People who are 65 or older can be at greater risk of some side effects from mineral oil. Talk to your health care provider about your risks if you are in this age group.

What should I tell my health care provider before using mineral oil?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if mineral oil is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

  • Stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting
  • Change in your bowel habits that lasts two weeks or longer
  • Kidney problems
  • Rectal bleeding
  • Trouble swallowing

Other Medicines and Supplements. Mineral oil may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking mineral oil, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. You should not take mineral oil while you are pregnant without talking to your health care provider. Taking mineral oil while you are pregnant, especially regular use, may lead to bleeding problems for the baby. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. Mineral oil may pass into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should take mineral oil while breastfeeding.

Interactions

Does mineral oil interact with foods or drinks?

You should not take mineral oil with meals. Mineral oil may keep your body from absorbing important vitamins from the food you are eating.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect mineral oil.

Does mineral oil interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

  • A laxative, which is a medicine used to treat constipation by softening stools
  • Digoxin (Lanoxin), which is a medicine used to treat irregular heartbeat and some types of heart failure
  • A medicine or supplement containing vitamin A, D, E, or K
  • A birth control pill

Mineral oil may affect the absorption of many other medicines. Tell your health care provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with mineral oil. Always check with your health care provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much mineral oil?

If you or someone else has used too much mineral oil, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of mineral oil?

Mineral oil is meant to be taken only when needed. Take it according to the package directions or as your health care provider recommends. Do not take double or extra doses.