LIQUID PARAFFIN MV*40% FL 200G

Liquid Paraffin Marco Viti 40% oral emulsion

What it is and what it is used for
Short-term treatment of occasional constipation

What you need to know before taking the medicine
hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients;
- nausea, vomiting, acute or unknown origin abdominal pain;
- intestinal obstruction or stenosis;
- gastrointestinal disorders such as appendicitis, diverticulitis, ulcerative colitis, rectal bleeding of unknown origin;
- acute hemorrhoidal crisis with pain and bleeding;
- severe dehydration;
- subjects with difficulty swallowing or who have pathologies (e.g. hiatal hernia) or conditions (e.g. debilitated bedridden subjects) that involve the risk of regurgitation;
- colostomy/ileostomy;
- children under 6 years of age;
- concomitant use of other laxatives or stool softeners.

Warnings and precautions
Laxatives should be used as infrequently as possible and for no longer than seven days. Use for longer periods of time requires a doctor's prescription after adequate evaluation of the individual case.
The treatment of chronic or recurrent constipation always requires the intervention of a doctor for diagnosis, prescription of medicines and monitoring during therapy.
In children between 6 and 12 years of age, the medicine can only be used after consulting a doctor.
The medicine should preferably be administered in the evening (however at least one hour before bedtime) as peristaltic movements are slowed down and the laxative can remain in the intestine longer, with a consequent improvement in its effect.
It is important to avoid lying down or reclining the head backwards when taking liquid paraffin to avoid aspiration of drops of the medicine.
Rarely, particularly in younger children, the elderly or debilitated patients, involuntary aspiration of liquid paraffin can cause aspiration pneumonia.
Abuse of laxatives (frequent or prolonged use or at excessive doses) can cause persistent diarrhea with consequent loss of water, mineral salts (especially potassium) and other essential nutrients.
In the most severe cases, dehydration or hypokalemia (decrease in potassium in the blood) may occur, which can lead to cardiac or neuromuscular dysfunctions, especially in cases of concomitant treatment with cardiac glycosides, diuretics or corticosteroids.
Abuse of laxatives, especially contact laxatives (stimulant laxatives), can cause dependence (and therefore possible need to progressively increase the dosage), chronic constipation and loss of normal intestinal functions (intestinal atony).
Abuse of liquid paraffin-based laxatives can cause reduced absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K).
In cases of constipation, it is advisable to first correct eating habits by supplementing the daily diet with an adequate intake of fiber and water.
When using laxatives, it is important to drink at least 6-8 glasses of water, or other liquids, per day to help soften the stool.
Consult your doctor when the need for the laxative results from a sudden change in previous bowel habits (frequency and characteristics of evacuations) that has lasted for more than two weeks or when the use of the laxative fails to produce effects. It is also advisable for elderly subjects or those in poor health to consult their doctor before using the medicine.

Possible side effects
Like all medicines, liquid paraffin can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them.
The side effects of liquid paraffin are listed below. There is insufficient data to establish the frequency of the individual effects listed.

Immune system disorders
Hypersensitivity reactions, including severe ones (dyspnea, feeling of heaviness in the chest, angioedema).
Rarely, systemic absorption of paraffin can cause chronic inflammatory reactions.

Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders
Rash, urticaria.

Metabolism and nutrition disorders
Liquid paraffin can interfere with the absorption of fat-soluble substances, such as vitamins A, D, E, K, especially after prolonged use of the drug.

Gastrointestinal disorders
Isolated cramp-like pains or abdominal colic, more frequent in cases of severe constipation. Rectal leakage (loss, dripping) of paraffin with consequent anal irritation and itching, rectal bleeding, especially after prolonged use of the drug.
Foreign body reactions (granulomatous reactions - paraffinomas) in the intestinal mucosa, due to the absorbed portion of the drug.

Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders
Lipoid pneumonia and oil embolism, due to accidental inhalation of the medicine.

Compliance with the instructions contained in the package leaflet reduces the risk of side effects.
If any of the side effects get worse, or if you notice any side effect not listed in this package leaflet, tell your doctor or pharmacist.