Mineral Oil for Constipation in Children

When a child is constipated, parents want to solve the problem quickly. One solution is to treat constipation at home using mineral oil. Constipation happens when a child has had fewer than three bowel movements in a week or is having hard or dry stools that are difficult to pass. Most children suffer from constipation at some point, which is completely normal.

  1. Significance

    • According to Medline Plus, mineral oil is a liquid produced from petroleum. The oil has many uses from an antacid to use in hemorrhoid medications. Mineral oil has been used as early as the 1900's as a home remedy.

    Function

    • Mineral oil assists with constipation by allowing stools to easily move through the intestines. Vincent Iannelli, MD, writing for Keep Kids Healthy, finds that children that have been constipated previously and have experienced the discomfort of passing hard stools will often avoid using the bathroom for fear of pain. Mineral oil allows hard stools to be easily passed without discomfort.

    Dosage

    • Web MD suggests giving children two teaspoons of mineral oil twice a day until stools are easily passed. Mineral oil can be disguised in fruit smoothies or ice cream. It may take two to three days before mineral oil causes any changes with a child's constipation.

    Effects

    • Diet is usually the main reason for constipation in children. Along with using mineral oil to treat constipation, changes in diet, increased amounts of water and encouraging the constipated child to stay active will help ease constipation. The use of mineral oil alone will not solve constipation issues. If a child seems to be in great discomfort, contact a pediatrician to discuss the ailment.

    Considerations

    • There is potential for mineral oil overdose if the recommended dosage is exceeded. Seek immediate medical help if there is a concern that a child has taken too much mineral oil. Mineral oil is non-toxic and serious harm or injury is not likely.

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