What is this medication for?
This medication is used to treat constipation.
How should I take or use this medication?
- You may take this medication with or without food.
- Remain upright for at least 30 minutes after taking this medication to prevent medication leaking into the lungs.
- Avoid prolonged use (e.g. more than a week). If symptoms persist consult your doctor.
What should I do if I forget to take or use this medication?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. Then take your next dose at the usual time. Do not take two doses to make up for the missed dose.
What precautions should I take when taking or using this medication?
Inform your healthcare professional if:
- You are allergic to this medication or any other ingredients of this medication.
- You are taking any other medications, including supplements, traditional medications and herbal remedies.
- You have any conditions which may affect your ability to swallow. There is a risk of lung infection due to this medication entering the lungs before or after swallowing. This is particularly the case in the elderly (more than 65 years of age). This includes those with conditions such as dementia, stroke, and Parkinson's disease and those with gastroesophageal reflux disease.
What are some common side effects of this medication?
- Leaking of oil from the anus may occur.
- The medication may commonly cause side effects of the digestive system, including diarrhoea, nausea and stomach cramps.
What are some rare but serious side-effects that I need to seek medical advice immediately?
The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following:
- Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
- Difficulty in breathing
- Itchy skin rashes over the whole body
If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately.
What food or medication should I avoid when I take or use this medication?
Liquid paraffin may affect the absorption of certain multivitamins and minerals. Take these supplements two hours apart from liquid paraffin.
How should I store this medication?
Store in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight. Keep this medication away from children.
How do I throw away this medication safely?
For general waste: pack this medication into a black trash bag and seal it tightly before throwing it into the rubbish chute or bin.
Disclaimer
Please take note that the above is not a complete list of all possible side-effects. If you have any concerns about your medication or if you have other side-effects that you think are caused by this medication, please consult your doctor or pharmacist. If you take more than the recommended dose, please seek medical advice immediately. The information provided on this page does not replace information from your healthcare professional. Please consult your healthcare professional for more information.
This article is jointly developed by members of the National Medication Information workgroup. The workgroup consists of cluster partners (NHG Health, National University Health System and SingHealth), community pharmacies (Guardian, Unity and Watsons) and Pharmaceutical Society of Singapore. The content does not reflect drug availability and supply information in pharmacies and healthcare institutions. You are advised to check with the respective institutions for such information.
Contributed By
- Pharmaceutical Society of Singapore