Liquid paraffinClinical data

Pregnancy
category|

* US: C (Risk not ruled out)

Routes of
administration| Topical, oral
ATC code|

* A06AA01 (WHO)

Legal status
Legal status|

* OTC

Identifiers
CAS Number|

* 8012-95-1

PubChem SID|

* 7979779

ChemSpider|

* NA

E number| {{#property:P628}}
ECHA InfoCard| {{#property:P2566}}Lua error in Module:EditAtWikidata at line 36: attempt to index field 'wikibase' (a nil value).
Chemical and physical data
Formula| CnHm
Molar mass| [cannot calculate]

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List of terms related to Liquid paraffin

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

## Overview[edit | edit source]

Medicinal liquid paraffin, also known as paraffinum liquidum, is a very highly refined mineral oil used in cosmetics and for medical purposes. This is a UK definition (British Pharmacopoeia) and the term may have different uses in other countries. The cosmetic or medicinal liquid paraffin should not be confused with the paraffin (or kerosene) used as a fuel.

The term paraffinum perliquidum is sometimes used to denote light liquid paraffin. Conversely, the term paraffinum subliquidum is sometimes used to denote a thicker (more viscus/oily) mineral oil.

## Usage and Side effects[edit | edit source]

Liquid paraffin is considered to have a limited usefulness as an occasional laxative, but is unsuitable for regular use as it can seep from the anus and cause irritation; it can interfere with the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins; it can be absorbed into the intestinal wall and may cause foreign-body granulamatous reactions; and if it enters the lungs it can cause lipoid pneumonia.[1]

Liquid paraffin is also used in combination with magnesium as an osmotic laxative, sold under the trade name Mil-Par (among others).[2]

## See also[edit | edit source]

* Petroleum jelly

## References[edit | edit source]

1. ↑ Alan Nathan. Non-prescription medicines. London: Pharmaceutical Press; 2006 [cited October 8, 2011]. ISBN 978-0-85369-644-5. p. 68.
2. ↑ "Magnesium & Liquid Paraffin". Patient UK.

## External links[edit | edit source]

* Safety data sheet for Liquid Paraffin

Template:Laxatives

Template:Gastrointestinal-drug-stub
*[US]: United States
*[SID]: Structure ID