Constipation can be the result of your feces becoming too hard and dry or due to problems with your intestines. Constipation can be treated with laxatives such as mineral oil, but there are some safety concerns regarding using mineral oil for constipation, particularly if you have kidney disease. Talk to your doctor before you take mineral oil as a treatment for constipation.
Mineral Oil
Food grade mineral oil is typically made of either liquid paraffin or liquid petroleum oils. These oils are relatively stable and don't undergo any chemical reactions in the body. The majority of the mineral oil passes through your digestive tract unabsorbed, which allows the mineral oil to lubricate your fecal material and make it easier for you to have a bowel movement. A small amount of the mineral oil is absorbed by your intestines and can appear in your bloodstream and various organs, such as your liver.
Mineral Oil and Kidney Disease
If you have kidney disease, you should talk to your doctor before taking mineral oil for constipation. Your kidneys help excrete waste products as the body breaks down the absorbed mineral oil. However, not all kinds of kidney disease cause significant impairment of renal function, so you may be able to take mineral oil based on the severity and type of kidney problem you have. The only way to know for sure is to talk to your doctor; if you can't use mineral oil, your doctor may be able to recommend other laxatives.
Directions
The amount of mineral oil that you should take each day depends on the kind that you use, so check the packaging for exact dosing directions. The dose of mineral oil should be poured into a drinking glass and mixed with less than 2 oz. of some beverage. Mineral oil should be taken on an empty stomach and consumed at least two hours before bedtime. Do not take mineral oil for longer than one week unless instructed by your doctor.
Considerations
Although many people take mineral oil to treat occasional constipation, if you experience trouble with bowel movements that lasts for several weeks, you may need to make some changes to your diet. Drinking more water will help keep your fecal material from drying out and adding more fiber to your diet can increase the bulk of your stools. These changes may help you from becoming reliant on mineral oil for a bowel movement. In addition, if you experience constipation that lasts for an extended period of time it may be a sign that something is wrong in your digestive tract.
