Patient was educated on precautions to be exercised while using lubricant laxatives as follows:
- Lubricant laxatives interfere with the absorption of fat soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K. Also, they interfere with the absorption of many prescription medications. So, space the lubricant laxatives out by at least 2 hours from other medications.
- Individuals with swallowing difficulty can aspirate while swallowing this medication. Exercise caution while lubricant laxatives are being swallowed.
- Lubricant laxative is usually taken on an empty stomach, 2 hours before the dinner, as the mineral oil impairs absorption of essential nutrients and vitamins. Taking them on empty stomach can trigger nauseating sensation with feeling of vomiting, which is a very frequent side effect of lubricant laxatives. Mix the lubricant laxative thoroughly in a cup with about one ounce of water or fruit juice before drinking it. Drink one more ounce of water after swallowing the lubricant laxative, to wash it down to the site where it acts, the intestines.
