Mineral oil prevents absorption of oil-soluble vitamins and drugs. With elderly patients, aspiration should be avoided because it can cause lipid pneumonitis. It can interfere with postoperative healing of anorectal surgery. Avoid giving with docusate sodium. Docusate sodium causes increased systemic absorption of mineral oil.
Fecal softeners promote water retention in the fecal mass, thus softening the stool.
Up to 3 days may pass before an effect is noted. Stool softeners and emollient laxatives are of limited use because of colonic resorption of water from the forming stool. Fecal softeners should not be used as the sole regimen but may be useful given in combination with stimulant laxatives. May increase the systemic absorption of mineral oil when administered together. Most beneficial when stool is hard.