Mineral Oil

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Mineral Oil

Interaction

Mineral Oil

Mineral oil is a laxative used to soften stools in people with constipation. Mineral oil is also used as a vehicle to carry other ingredients in some topical skin products.

Summary of Interactions with Vitamins, Herbs, & Foods

dnicon_Beneficial May Be Beneficial: Depletion or interference—This medication may deplete these substances from the body or interfere with how they work; extra intake may help replenish them.

Beta-Carotene

Calcium*

Phosphorus*

Potassium*

Vitamin A*

Vitamin D*

Vitamin E*

Vitamin K*
dnicon_Beneficial May Be Beneficial: Side effect reduction and/or prevention—These substances may help reduce the likelihood and/or severity of a potential side effect caused by the medication.

none

dnicon_Beneficial May Be Beneficial: Supportive interaction—These substances may help this medication work better.

none

dnicon_Avoid Avoid: Reduces drug effectiveness—When taking this medication, avoid these substances as they may decrease the medication's absorption and/or activity in the body.

none

dnicon_Avoid Avoid: Adverse interaction—When taking this medication, avoid these substances, as the combination may cause undesirable or dangerous interactions.

none

dnicon_Check Check: Explanation needed—When taking this medication, read the article details and discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist before taking these substances.

none


An asterisk (*) next to an item in the summary indicates that the interaction is supported only by weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific evidence.

Interactions Details

Interactions with Vitamins

Vitamins and minerals

Mineral oil has interfered with the absorption of many nutrients, including beta-carotene, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, and vitamins A, D, K, and E in some,1 but not all,2 research. Taking mineral oil on an empty stomach may reduce this interference. It makes sense to take a daily multivitamin-mineral supplement two hours before or after mineral oil. It is important to read labels, because many multivitamins do not contain vitamin K or contain inadequate (less than 100 mcg per day) amounts.

Brands

Common brand names:

Fleet Mineral Oil, Kondremul Plain

References

1. Holt GA. Food & Drug Interactions. Chicago: Precept Press, 1998, 176.

2. Clark JH, Russell GJ, Fitzgerald JF, Nagamori KE. Serum beta-carotene, retinol, and alpha-tocopherol levels during mineral oil therapy for constipation. Am J Dis Child 1987;141:1210–2.

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