Liquid Paraffin – Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Interaction

Last updated: February 7, 2026Reviewed date: February 7, 2026Reading time: 6 min read
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Liquid paraffin, also known as paraffinum liquidum or Russian mineral oil, is a very highly refined mineral oil used in cosmetics and medicine. Cosmetic or medicinal liquid paraffin should not be confused with the paraffin (or kerosene) used as a fuel. It is transparent, colorless, nearly odorless, and oily and is...

For severe symptoms, danger signs, pregnancy, child illness, or sudden worsening, seek urgent medical care.

বাংলা রোগী নোট এখনো যোগ করা হয়নি। পোস্ট এডিটরে “RX Bangla Patient Mode” বক্স থেকে সহজ বাংলা সারাংশ যোগ করুন।

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Article Summary

Liquid paraffin, also known as paraffinum liquidum or Russian mineral oil, is a very highly refined mineral oil used in cosmetics and medicine. Cosmetic or medicinal liquid paraffin should not be confused with the paraffin (or kerosene) used as a fuel. It is transparent, colorless, nearly odorless, and oily and is composed of saturated hydrocarbons derived from petroleum.[rx] Mineral oil, or paraffin oil, is a mixture of higher alkanes from a...

Key Takeaways

  • This article explains Mechanism of Action of Liquid Paraffin in simple medical language.
  • This article explains Indications of Liquid Paraffin in simple medical language.
  • This article explains  Contraindications of Liquid Paraffin in simple medical language.
  • This article explains Dosage of Liquid Paraffin in simple medical language.
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Emergency safety firstUrgent warning signs are highlighted below.

Seek urgent medical care if you notice

These warning signs are general safety guidance. Local emergency numbers and clinical judgment should always come first.

  • Severe symptoms, breathing difficulty, fainting, confusion, or rapidly worsening illness.
  • New weakness, severe pain, high fever, or symptoms after a serious injury.
  • Any symptom that feels urgent, unusual, or unsafe for the patient.
1

Emergency now

Use emergency care for severe, sudden, rapidly worsening, or life-threatening symptoms.

2

See a doctor

Book a professional medical evaluation if symptoms persist, worsen, recur often, affect daily activities, or occur in a high-risk patient.

3

Learn safely

Use this article to understand possible causes, tests, treatment options, prevention, and questions to ask your clinician.

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Liquid paraffin, also known as paraffinum liquidum or Russian mineral oil, is a very highly refined mineral oil used in cosmetics and medicine. Cosmetic or medicinal liquid paraffin should not be confused with the paraffin (or kerosene) used as a fuel. It is transparent, colorless, nearly odorless, and oily and is composed of saturated hydrocarbons derived from petroleum.[rx]

Mineral oil, or paraffin oil, is a mixture of higher alkanes from a mineral source, such as petroleum. Petroleum mineral oil is manufactured from crude oils by vacuum distillation to produce several distillates and residual oil that is then further refined. During the modern refining process, aromatics are reduced by solvent extraction, catalytic hydrotreating, or hydrocracking. Unrefined or mildly treated mineral oils are classified as Group 3 carcinogens by the World Health Organization, as chronic exposure to these aromatics including alkylated polycyclic aromatic compounds (PAC) can lead to skin cancer.

Another Name

  • Drakeol 5
  • Light Liquid Paraffin
  • Light Liquid Petrolatum
  • Light White Mineral Oil
  • Mineral Oil Light
  • Mineral Oil, High Viscosity
  • Mineral Oil, Light
  • Paraffin, Light Liquid
  • Paraffinum Perliquidum

 

Mechanism of Action of Liquid Paraffin

Mineral oil sits on the surface of the skin and in spaces between cells and provides a hydrophobic barrier 2. This barrier prevents trans-epidermal water loss to trap water in the skin. Overall this leads to greater hydration, flexibility, and softness of the stratum corneum. Mineral oil blocks the loss of water from the skin allowing greater hydration of the epidermis

Indications of Liquid Paraffin

  • Mineral oil is not considered an active pharmacological ingredient in pharmaceutical preparations and so has no official indication. It is typically present in topical formulations as an emollient and occlusive agent [rx].
  • Mineral oil is a common ingredient in baby lotions, cold creams, ointments and cosmetics to treat and prevent dry, rough, scaly, itchy skin and minor skin irritations. It is also used as a mild laxative for human or veterinary uses.
  •  It acts primarily as a stool lubricant and is thus not associated with abdominal cramps, diarrhea, flatulence, disturbances in electrolytes, or tolerance over long periods of usage, side effects that osmotic and stimulant laxatives often engender (however, some literature suggests that these may still occur). The drug acts by softening the feces and coats the intestine with an oily film. Hence, reduces the pain caused by certain conditions such as piles (hemorrhoids). These traits make the drug ideal for chronic childhood constipation and encopresis when large doses or long-term usage is necessary.[rx]
  • Liquid paraffin is also used in combination with magnesium as an osmotic laxative, sold under the trade name Mil-Par (among others). Additionally, it may be used as a release agent, binder, or lubricant on capsules and tablets.
  • The drug is endorsed by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the North American Society for Gastroenterology and Nutrition, with the latter organization outlining it as a first choice for the management of pediatric constipation.[rx]
  • Used in Pharmaceutical industries
  • Medical formulations
  • Egg preservative
  • Hair cream
  • Incense and perfume manufacturers
  • Baby oil
  • Baby cream
  • Skin ointment
  • Used in Cosmetic industries
  • For facial creams and lotions
  • Protective coating for fruits and vegetables
  • Mosquito repellent cream

 Contraindications of Liquid Paraffin

  • Use is contraindicated in children under 3 years of age.
  • The drug is suggested to never be used in cases in which the patient is neurologically impaired or has a potential swallowing dysfunction due to potential respiration complications, though normally the airways tolerate this medicine quite well, and some go as far as saying that it should never be used with children.[rx]
  • Allergy to this medicine is not recommended for use in patients with a known allergy to liquid paraffin or any other inactive ingredients present along with it.

Dosage of Liquid Paraffin

Orally Recommended Dosage 

Adults including the elderly: 10-30ml when required.
Children over 3 years: 5-20ml when required.
Children under 3 years: not recommended.
Liquid for oral use
  • Adults, the elderly congestion of the lungs. Reporting of
    and children over 12 years: Take two to side effects: If you get any side effects, six 5ml spoonfuls (10ml to 30ml).
    talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse.

Children from 3 to 12 years

  • Take one to This includes any possible side effects, not four 5ml spoonfuls (5ml to 20ml). The listed in this label. You can also report side above doses may be taken when

Missed Dose

  • This medicine is generally used as needed. If you are on a scheduled dosing regimen of this medicine, take/use the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double the dose to make up for the missed one.

Overdose

  • An overdose of this medicine is unlikely to cause severe symptoms. However, discontinue treatment and seek emergency medical advice in case you accidentally inhale the medicine or if you experience severe adverse effects.

Side Effects of Liquid Paraffin

Common 

  • Upon being taken orally, liquid paraffin might interfere with the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, though evidence does not seem to fully support this.[rx]
  • It can be absorbed into the intestinal wall[rx] and may cause foreign-body granulomatous reactions in some rat species. These reactions might not occur in humans, however.
  • Some evidence suggests that it engenders a lack of carcinogenicity. If liquid paraffin enters the lungs, it can cause lipoid pneumonia. If injected, it can cause granulomatous reactions.

More Common 

  • Anal seepage of paraffin with consequent anal irritation after prolonged use. The granulomatous reaction caused by the absorption of small quantities of liquid paraffin.
  • Lipoid pneumonia (by accidental inhalation) may occur, therefore caution is required in patients with swallowing difficulty.

Drug Interactions of Liquid Paraffin

The liquid paraffin may interact with following drugs, supplements & may change the efficacy of drugs

  • Reporting suspected adverse reactions –  after authorization of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the Yellow Card Scheme.
  • Interaction with Alcohol – Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
  • Disease – Information not available.
  • Food interactions – Information not available.
  • Lab interactions – Information not available.


Reference

Liquid Paraffin - Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Interaction

 

Doctor visit helper

Prepare before seeing a doctor

A simple rural-patient checklist to help you explain symptoms clearly, ask better questions, and avoid unsafe self-treatment.

Safety note: This is not a prescription or diagnosis. For severe symptoms, pregnancy danger signs, children with serious illness, chest pain, breathing difficulty, stroke-like weakness, or major injury, seek urgent care.

Which doctor may help?

Start with a registered doctor or the nearest qualified health center.

What to tell the doctor

  • Write when the problem started and how it changed.
  • Bring old prescriptions, investigation reports, and current medicines.
  • Write allergies, pregnancy status, diabetes, kidney/liver disease, and major past illnesses.
  • Bring one family member if the patient is weak, elderly, confused, or a child.

Questions to ask

  • What is the most likely cause of my symptoms?
  • Which danger signs mean I should go to hospital quickly?
  • Which tests are necessary now, and which can wait?
  • How should I take medicines safely and what side effects should I watch for?
  • When should I come for follow-up?

Tests to discuss

  • Vital signs: temperature, pulse, blood pressure, oxygen saturation
  • Basic physical examination by a clinician
  • CBC, urine test, blood sugar, or imaging only when clinically needed

Avoid these mistakes

  • Do not use antibiotics, steroid tablets/injections, or strong painkillers without proper medical advice.
  • Do not hide pregnancy, kidney disease, ulcer, allergy, or blood thinner use.
  • Do not delay emergency care when danger signs are present.

Medicine safety and first-aid guide

This section is for patient education only. It does not replace a doctor, pharmacist, or emergency care.

Safe first steps

  • Avoid heavy lifting, sudden bending, and prolonged bed rest.
  • Use comfortable posture and gentle movement as tolerated.
  • Discuss physiotherapy, X-ray, or MRI only when clinically needed.

OTC medicine safety

  • For mild back pain, pain-relief medicine may be discussed with a doctor or pharmacist.
  • Avoid repeated painkiller use if you have kidney disease, stomach ulcer, uncontrolled blood pressure, or are taking blood thinners.

Avoid these mistakes

  • Do not start antibiotics without a proper medical decision.
  • Do not use steroid tablets or injections casually for quick relief.
  • Do not delay emergency care because of home remedies.

Get urgent help if

  • Back pain with leg weakness, numbness around private area, loss of urine/stool control, fever, cancer history, or major injury needs urgent care.
Medicine names, dose, and timing must be decided by a qualified clinician or pharmacist after checking age, pregnancy, allergy, other diseases, and current medicines.

For rural patients and family caregivers

Patient health record and symptom diary

Write your symptoms, medicines already taken, test results, and questions before visiting a doctor. This note stays on your device unless you print or copy it.

Doctor to discuss: Doctor / qualified healthcare provider
Tests to discuss with doctor
  • Basic vital signs: temperature, pulse, blood pressure, oxygen level if needed
  • Relevant blood, urine, imaging, or specialist tests only after clinical assessment
Questions to ask
  • What is the most likely cause of my symptoms?
  • Which warning signs mean I should go to emergency care?
  • Which tests are really needed now?
  • Which medicines are safe for my age, pregnancy status, allergy, kidney/liver/stomach condition, and current medicines?

Emergency warning signs such as chest pain, severe breathing difficulty, sudden weakness, confusion, severe dehydration, major injury, or loss of bladder/bowel control need urgent medical care. Do not wait for online information.

Safe pathway to proper treatment

Care roadmap for: Liquid Paraffin – Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Interaction

Use this simple roadmap to understand the next safe steps. It is educational and does not replace examination by a doctor.

Go to emergency care if you notice:
  • Severe or rapidly worsening symptoms
  • Breathing difficulty, chest pain, fainting, confusion, severe weakness, major injury, or severe dehydration
Doctor / service to discuss: Qualified healthcare provider; specialist depends on symptoms and examination.
  1. Step 1

    Check danger signs first

    If danger signs are present, seek emergency care and do not wait for online information.

  2. Step 2

    Record the symptom story

    Write when symptoms started, severity, medicines already taken, allergies, pregnancy status, and test results.

  3. Step 3

    Visit a qualified clinician

    A doctor, nurse, or qualified healthcare provider can examine you and decide which tests or treatment are needed.

  4. Step 4

    Do only useful tests

    Do tests after clinical assessment. Avoid unnecessary tests, random antibiotics, or repeated medicines without diagnosis.

  5. Step 5

    Follow up and return early if worse

    If symptoms worsen, new warning signs appear, or treatment is not helping, return for review quickly.

Rural patient practical tips
  • Take a written symptom diary and all previous prescriptions/test reports.
  • Do not hide medicines already taken, even herbal or over-the-counter medicines.
  • Ask which warning signs mean urgent referral to hospital.

This roadmap is for education. A real diagnosis and treatment plan requires history, examination, and clinical judgment.

RX Patient Help

Ask a health question safely

Write your symptom story. A health professional or site editor can review it before any answer is prepared. This box is not for emergency care.

Emergency first: Severe chest pain, breathing trouble, unconsciousness, stroke signs, severe injury, heavy bleeding, or rapidly worsening symptoms need urgent local medical care now.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this article a replacement for a doctor?

No. It is educational content only. Patients should consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis and treatment.

When should I seek urgent care?

Seek urgent care for severe symptoms, rapidly worsening condition, breathing difficulty, severe pain, neurological changes, or any emergency warning sign.

References

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