Constipation is a condition that not only adults, but also children, face in everyday life. The reasons for this pathology are many. Vaseline oil for constipation, due to its properties, is not digested by the stomach and is not absorbed into the intestinal wall. The article will discuss how to take the drug, and its required dosage.
What is beneficial paraffin oil?
The tool is obtained by separating the liquid fraction of oil. Vaseline oil is presented in the form of liquid paraffin, which does not contain preservatives, and harmful impurities. It has no smell and taste, the product can be taken orally.
Unlike vegetable oils, petrolatum is not absorbed into the intestinal wall and does not dissolve in the stomach. The tool creates a uniform film and softens the stool. The viscous consistency of the oil prevents absorption into the bloodstream and effects on other organs.
In this case, the product does not interfere with the effect of intestinal microflora on the formation of feces. It is neutral with respect to beneficial microflora, therefore it does not cause dysbiosis.
Operating principle
Vaseline oil for constipation has the following effects:
- The tool creates a film on the walls of the intestine, which helps to remove feces. This completely protects them from injury.
- There is a softening of feces, which easily pass through the rectum and prevent damage to the anus.
- Heals cracks and wounds on the walls of the intestine.
- The agent irritates the walls of the organ, thereby stimulating its natural motility.
The safety of petroleum jelly is confirmed by its widespread use in medicine and cosmetology. It is part of creams, lotions and lipsticks. In pediatrics, the drug is used in the treatment of diaper rash in infants.
Use for children
Due to the fact that the product is safe and does not penetrate into the bloodstream, it can also be taken by babies. Vaseline oil for constipation in children should be used between meals so that the process of intake of vitamins and minerals is not disturbed.
A few drops of liquid paraffin are enough for newborns.
The dosage of the drug depends on the age of the child. For infants up to 1 year old, 0.5-1 teaspoons is enough, for babies up to 3 years old - 1 teaspoon, and up to 7 years - 1.5 teaspoons.
Constipation in children occurs for various reasons. An accurate diagnosis and proper treatment should be made by a specialist. Petroleum jelly is a temporary measure aimed at alleviating the condition of the child.
For pregnant and lactating women
During the period of bearing a child, the product is prohibited. Increased intestinal motility can lead to the development of uterine hypertonicity. This can lead to a miscarriage or premature birth.
For pregnant women, there are safer drugs that your doctor can prescribe.
Constipation after giving birth is a common problem. They arise due to a decrease in tone and stretching of the abdominal muscles. A woman is forbidden to push during this period due to the fact that the tears have not yet healed and the pelvic organs have not recovered.
Many drugs are prohibited because they are able to penetrate into breast milk and adversely affect the health of the baby. Vaseline oil for constipation is one of the most preferred drugs. It is taken on an empty stomach for 1-2 tbsp. spoons.
With severe constipation, the drug is drunk in the morning and in the evening, but no later than 5-6 hours before bedtime.
Adult use
The instructions for taking the drug indicate that bowel movement occurs 5 hours after taking it. Therefore, it is necessary to plan the procedure taking into account this period of time.
What is the dosage of petroleum jelly in adults with constipation? The maximum amount of funds is 2 tbsp. spoons. After the age of 60 years, it must be reduced to 2 teaspoons. It is best to consume petroleum jelly 1 or 2 times a day, between meals. If the stool after 2 days of admission does not recover, then you should consult a doctor to establish an accurate diagnosis.
It is not recommended to independently increase the amount of petroleum jelly, as this can be addictive and adversely affect the body. As a result, there will be a decrease in intestinal tone, and self-digestion of food will become more complicated.
The tool must be used completely natural, without any impurities. Otherwise, the oil will have an irritating effect on the mucous membrane.
When using petroleum jelly, it must be borne in mind that it is able to leak out of the anus and stain underwear. Therefore, you need to use sanitary or gauze pads.
Oil enemas
How to take vaseline oil for constipation in adults? In some cases, enemas are prepared to alleviate the condition. Solutions for them consist of water and some kind of oil, mainly petroleum jelly.
For an enema, add 100-40 g of warm liquid paraffin to 100 g of boiled water (37-38 degrees). Stir and inject with a syringe into the rectum 50-100 ml of solution.
The procedure allows you to relieve spasms in the intestine and relax its walls, as well as facilitate the excretion of feces as a result of the enveloping action. Usually enemas are done before bedtime, because the effect of them is observed after 10 hours. They are prescribed for persistent constipation, which are accompanied by an accumulation of feces in the lower parts of the large intestine.
If after the procedure incomplete cleansing of the intestine has occurred, then its repeated conduct is allowed.
Contraindications
Vaseline oil, used for medical purposes, is non-toxic and does not adversely affect human health. However, there is a list of contraindications in which the use of this drug is prohibited. It includes:
- Inflammatory processes occurring in the organs of the abdominal cavity.
- Individual intolerance to the drug.
- Allergic reactions.
- Bowel obstruction.
- Pregnancy.
- Intestinal bleeding.
- Heat.
The film formed on the walls of the intestine not only promotes the movement of feces, but also complicates the absorption of nutrients. With prolonged use of the drug, there is a risk of developing hypovitaminosis, which is due to a decrease in the amount of incoming fat-soluble vitamins.
Side effects
According to reviews, liquid paraffin with constipation can cause intestinal atony. Its peristalsis worsens, and its tone decreases. As a result, atonic constipation occurs, which is accompanied by pain and flatulence. In severe cases, fecal stones may occur.
Prolonged use of paraffin oil can be addictive, which leads to the lack of the necessary effect. This condition is especially dangerous for young children. If constipation is repeated more than once, then a specialist consultation is necessary.
With an overdose of the drug, diarrhea can develop, which leads to dehydration of the body.
The simultaneous use of liquid paraffin and other drugs can cause a decrease in the effectiveness of the latter. The tool envelops the walls of the digestive tract and prevents the absorption of the components of the drug, accelerates the rate of its excretion from the body.
When an allergic reaction occurs, the patient begins to worry about the itching of the anus and rashes on the skin may occur. With the development of such symptoms, stop using the drug.
Reviews
Opinions about the tool were mostly positive. According to reviews, the use of vaseline oil for constipation provided quick and effective relief.
With the right dosage, the result from the taken drug appears after a few hours. For some patients, enemas with liquid paraffin were most suitable than taking it in its purest form.
A separate group of patients after exceeding the dose of the drug suffered from severe pain in the lower abdomen. Therefore, it is not recommended to increase the amount of petroleum jelly at admission due to the negative effect on the body. This is especially true for the use of funds for young children.
Petrolatum oil is an effective treatment for constipation. It has a number of contraindications, which should be familiarized with before taking it.
Oil is allowed to be taken from birth, and the dose should not be more than 0.5 teaspoon.
It is necessary to take the drug for no more than 2-3 days, if the problem of constipation is not resolved, then you need to contact a specialist to determine its exact cause. Self-medication is not recommended.