Mineral oil, a clear and odorless substance that comes from the distillation of petroleum, appears in cosmetics and has industrial worth as an insulator, solvent and lubricator. As it relates to children, however, mineral oil most often is used as a laxative to help ease constipation, a common childhood problem.
Function
Mineral oil works as a lubricant, coating the bowel and holding in moisture, says MayoClinic.com. Stools get harder and larger the longer they remain in the bowel, as the body produces more waste and continues to remove moisture. This causes a vicious circle with some children, who ignore their body's signals and withhold their stool, in turn making the stool much more uncomfortable to pass. The memory of that pain causes more withholding, resulting in more discomfort, and the circle continues. Because mineral oil holds the fluid inside the bowel, the stool stays softer and passes more easily.
Dosage
Parents should follow their pediatrician's advice on how much mineral oil to give their child. The oil may be given in a higher dosage for a few days to help clear the bowel. An article in the journal "American Family Physician" suggests one-half to 1 oz. of mineral oil for each year of the child's age, up to 8 oz. per day. Mineral oil may also be suggested in smaller, daily doses as part of a temporary maintenance regimen to help the child stay regular. To make it more palatable, the oil can be chilled or mixed with fruit juice.
Considerations
Mineral oil may hinder the absorption of some vitamins and other nutrients and should not be used long-term, says MayoClinic.com. Because of this possible complication, children should not take mineral oil within two hours of any meal. Since the oil acts slowly, taking it at bedtime is often a good option. Mineral oil usually causes a bowel movement within eight hours, though it could take longer.
Effects
With proper use, mineral oil rarely produces side effects. Soiled underpants or clothing may indicate that the dosage is too high. More serious signs of overdose include nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhea that leads to dehydration. MedlinePlus recommends a trip to the emergency room if these symptoms occur.
Warning
Because it may be aspirated into the lungs, mineral oil should never be given to chronically ill children who have difficulty swallowing. This can cause lipoid pneumonia, according to medical literature that includes an article in the journal "Paediatrics & Child Health". Deposits of mineral oil in the lungs can have a range of effects, from causing no symptoms at all to severely debilitating the lungs, perhaps leading to death. The treatment is not recommended for children younger than 6, who are also at greater risk of aspiration, says MayoClinic.com.
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