Mineral Oil
Dosage & Administration Guidelines
| Species | Route | Dose | Frequency | Duration & Clinical Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dog | PO (oral) | 5-30 mL per animal | Once daily or as needed | Duration: 1-3 days Notes: Can be given with food. Avoid in animals with respiratory disease due to aspiration risk. |
| Cat | PO (oral) | 2-10 mL per animal | Once daily or as needed | Duration: 1-3 days Notes: Use with caution; risk of aspiration. May be mixed with food. |
| Horse | PO (nasogastric tube) | 1-4 L per animal | Once daily or as needed | Duration: 1-2 days Notes: Administer via nasogastric tube. Monitor for signs of colic. |
| Cattle | PO (oral drench or stomach tube) | 0.5-2 L per animal | Once daily | Duration: 1-2 days Notes: Use with caution in animals with respiratory disease. |
| Small Ruminants (sheep/goats) | PO (oral drench) | 60-120 mL per animal | Once daily | Duration: 1-2 days Notes: Administer slowly to avoid aspiration. |
| Rabbit | PO (oral) | 1-5 mL per animal | Once daily | Duration: 1-2 days Notes: Use with caution; may cause aspiration. Prefer other laxatives (e.g., lactulose) in rabbits. |
| Bird/Poultry | PO (oral) | 1-2 mL/kg | Once daily | Duration: 1-2 days Notes: Administer via crop tube if necessary. |
| Exotic/Other (reptiles) | PO (oral) | 5-10 mL/kg | Once daily | Duration: 1-2 days Notes: Use with caution; ensure hydration. |
Clinical Indications & Species Uses
- Lubricant laxative for temporary relief of constipation
- Constipation
- Fecal impaction
- Pre-operative bowel evacuation
- Constipation
- Fecal impaction (especially in cases of megacolon)
- Impaction colic
- Constipation
- Sand colic (as a lubricant to aid passage of sand)
- Impaction (e.g., grain overload, hardware disease adjunct)
- Constipation
- Constipation
- Impaction
- Gastrointestinal stasis (as a lubricant, but not first-line)
- Fecal impaction
- Crop impaction
- Constipation
- Constipation in reptiles (e.g., tortoises)
- Impaction in small mammals (e.g., guinea pigs)
Pharmacology & Mechanism of Action
Drug Class: Laxative (Lubricant) | Pharmacological Group: Emollient/Lubricant
Mechanism of Action: Mineral oil is a mixture of liquid hydrocarbons derived from petroleum. It acts as a lubricant laxative by coating the intestinal mucosa and fecal material, thereby reducing water absorption and softening the stool. It also facilitates the passage of intestinal contents by mechanical lubrication. It is not absorbed systemically to any significant extent.
Pharmacodynamics: Mineral oil exerts its effect locally in the gastrointestinal tract. It softens fecal matter and lubricates the intestinal lining, promoting defecation. It may also reduce the absorption of fat-soluble substances. Its action is generally mild and non-irritating.
β‘ Pharmacokinetics Summary
Available Formulations & Strengths
Contraindications & Clinical Warnings
- Known hypersensitivity to mineral oil
- Intestinal obstruction (unless used as a lubricant under veterinary supervision)
- Risk of aspiration (e.g., animals with dysphagia, esophageal disease, or recumbency)
- Pregnancy (relative contraindication; use only if clearly needed)
- Concurrent use with fat-soluble vitamins (may reduce absorption)
- Do not administer to animals with suspected intestinal perforation or obstruction.
- Use with extreme caution in animals prone to aspiration (e.g., brachycephalic breeds, cats with respiratory disease).
- Prolonged use may interfere with absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K).
- May cause anal leakage and soiling.
- In horses, use only via nasogastric tube to avoid aspiration.
- In ruminants, use with caution as it may reduce rumen motility.
- Do not use in animals with severe dehydration without concurrent fluid therapy.
Adverse Effects & Reactions
Common:
- Anal leakage
- Staining of perianal area
- Mild diarrhea
Serious / Severe:
- Lipoid pneumonia (if aspirated)
- Granulomatous reactions (if aspirated)
- Intestinal obstruction (if used inappropriately)
Rare:
- Vitamin deficiency (with prolonged use)
- Interference with drug absorption
Key Drug Interactions
| Interacting Drug / Class | Clinical Effect & Mechanism | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| Fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) | Mineral oil may reduce absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. | Moderate |
| Oral anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin) | May reduce absorption of vitamin K, potentially enhancing anticoagulant effect. | Moderate |
| Other oral medications | May reduce absorption of co-administered oral drugs. | Mild |
Overdose & Toxicity Management
Signs of Toxicity:
- Diarrhea
- Dehydration
- Anal irritation
- Aspiration pneumonia (if inhaled)
Emergency Treatment Protocol: Treatment is symptomatic and supportive. Discontinue mineral oil. Provide fluid therapy to correct dehydration. If aspiration occurs, provide respiratory support and consider antibiotics for secondary infection.
Food Animal Withdrawal Times
Mineral oil is not absorbed and is excreted unchanged; no withdrawal times are required. However, always follow local regulations.
Storage, Handling & Regulatory Information
Storage Temperature: Store at room temperature (15-30Β°C)
Handling & Special Conditions: Keep container tightly closed. Protect from freezing.
Dispensing Status: Over-The-Counter (OTC)
Approval Status: Approved for veterinary use as an over-the-counter laxative.
Extra-Label (Off-Label) Use: Mineral oil is an over-the-counter product. Extra-label use in food animals must comply with AMDUCA regulations; however, since it is not absorbed, withdrawal times are generally not required, but consult a veterinarian.
Clinical Pearls & Practice Notes
References & Literature
- π Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook
- π Papich Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics
- π Compendium of Veterinary Products (CVP)