My daughter's pediatrician prescribed mineral oil for her chronic constipation. My daughter was 2 years old at the time. Initially, I was to give her 4-5 tsp. every 2 hours until she started having a loose bowel movement to clean her out. Then, we gave her 4-5 tsp. twice a day. She stayed on it for 2-3 years. We gradually reduced it until she would go to the bathroom without it. The problem with the mineral oil, at least with her, is that she had encopresis. This is when the foul smelling liquid seeps around the impacted stool. It is orangy-oily and permanently stains anything it comes in contact with. I've never heard of encopresis in adults. My daughter would not let herself go to the bathroom - she would hold it. This started when she was 18 months old, took a round of antibiotics for ear infection, and got constipated. When she finally went to the bathroom, it hurt. She looked up and me and said, "I am never gonna do that again!" And she meant it!
Anyway, my pediatrician assured me it was safe for her to stay on as long as she needed, and that it was not addictive.
Hope this helps, Sherri
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