Uses

• Mineral oil is used as a lubricant in the manufacturing of cosmetics and in medicine as a laxative.
  
  

Function

• Mineral oil coats the intestinal walls, preventing the absorption of water. The excess water initiates a bowl movement.
  
  

Other Functions

• Mineral oil also prevents the absorption of calcium and phosphorus. It reduces the presence of fat-soluble vitamins in the intestines such as vitamins A, D, E and K.
  
  

Side Effects

• Mineral oil may cause nausea, cramping, vomiting and loss of normal bowl response.
  
  

Drug Interactions

• Mineral oil can be absorbed by the body if taken with docusate calcium, docusate potassium or docusate sodium.
  
  

Considerations

• If you have unexplained stomach pain, blocked intestines, rectal bleeding or any disease of the digestive tract, mineral oil may worsen these conditions.