Patient was educated on contraindications for using Mineral Oil as follows:
- Individuals with swallowing difficulty can aspirate while swallowing this medication. Exercise extreme caution while Mineral Oil is being swallowed.
- Mineral Oil should be avoided or used cautiously in individuals taking blood thinners, such as Warfarin and Plavix. These laxatives have the tendency to decrease the absorption of Vitamin K in the intestines. This can increase the risk for extra thinning of the blood, contributing to episodes of bleeding.
- Individuals with poor muscle control on swallowing, such as, senior citizens, stroke victims, and individuals who underwent any surgeries of the brain and neck, are prone to aspirate with Mineral Oil, especially in lying down positions. Choose other alternatives among laxatives in such risk groups to prevent risk for aspiration pneumonia.
- Do not use other laxatives along with Mineral Oil, especially emollient laxatives like Colace and docusate, as this can result in increased absorption of Mineral Oil into the body that get deposited in various vital organs, contributing to their inflammation.
- Discontinue using the Mineral Oil and consult your doctor, if any sudden change in the bowel activity is noted, such as, diarrhea or diminished laxative effect with constipation. Do not increase the dose without doctor recommendation to obtain the desired effect.
