The Basics
What is Mineral Oil?
Sometimes used as a laxative or lubricant.
Brand names for Mineral Oil
Na
How Mineral Oil is classified
Emollients, Gastrointestinal Agents, Laxatives
Mineral Oil During Pregnancy
Mineral Oil pregnancy category
Category N/ANote that the FDA has deprecated the use of pregnancy categories, so for some medications, this information isn’t available. We still think it’s useful to list historical info, however, given what a common proxy this has been in the past.
What we know about taking Mineral Oil while pregnant
N/A
Taking Mineral Oil While Breastfeeding
What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Mineral Oil?
Small amounts of mineral oil can be found in breastmilk, apparently from absorption of hydrocarbons from cosmetics over long periods of time. Because mineral oil is poorly absorbed orally, little or none will not reach the bloodstream of the infant or cause any adverse effects in breastfed infants.[1] One small study supports the lack of effect of maternal mineral oil on the bowels of their breastfed infants. Oral use of mineral oil by the nursing mother is acceptable, although repeated use should be avoided because it may cause a deficiency of fat-soluble vitamins. The use of mineral oil or ointments containing mineral oil on or near the breast may expose the infant to high levels of mineral paraffins via licking.[2] Only water-miscible cream products should be applied to the breast.
Maternal / infant drug levels
Small amounts of mineral oil can be found in breastmilk, apparently from absorption of hydrocarbons from cosmetics over long periods of time. Because mineral oil is poorly absorbed orally, little or none will not reach the bloodstream of the infant or cause any adverse effects in breastfed infants.[1] One small study supports the lack of effect of maternal mineral oil on the bowels of their breastfed infants. Oral use of mineral oil by the nursing mother is acceptable, although repeated use should be avoided because it may cause a deficiency of fat-soluble vitamins. The use of mineral oil or ointments containing mineral oil on or near the breast may expose the infant to high levels of mineral paraffins via licking.[2] Only water-miscible cream products should be applied to the breast.
Possible effects of Mineral Oil on milk supply
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Possible alternatives to Mineral Oil
(Laxative) Bisacodyl, Magnesium Hydroxide, Senna.
List of References
Lactation sources: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501922/1. Hagemann TM. Gastrointestinal medications and breastfeeding. J Hum Lact. 1998;14:259-62. PMID: 10205441
2. Noti A, Grob K, Biedermann M eet al. Exposure of babies to C(15)-C(45) mineral paraffins from human milk and breast salves. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol. 2003;38:317-25. PMID: 14623482
3. Concin N, Hofstetter G, Plattner B et al. Mineral oil paraffins in human body fat and milk. Food Chem Toxicol. 2008;46:544-52. PMID: 17923223
4. Concin N, Hofstetter G, Plattner B et al. Evidence for cosmetics as a source of mineral oil contamination in women. J Womens Health (Larchmt). 2011;20:1713-9. PMID: 21970597
5. Baldwin WF. Clinical study of senna administration to nursing mothers.:assessment of effects on infant bowel habits. Can Med Assoc J. 1963;89:566-7. PMID: 14045350
Disclaimer: This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult your healthcare provider with any questions.
