BP

Liquid Paraffin Emulsion

DEFINITION

Liquid Paraffin
500 mL

Vanillin
500 mg

Chloroform
2.5 mL

Benzoic Acid Solution

20 mL

Methylcellulose 20
20 g

Saccharin Sodium
50 mg

Water
A sufficient quantity

Extemporaneous preparation

The following directions apply.

Heat about 120 mL of Water until it boils and add the Methylcellulose; when thoroughly hydrated
add sufficient Water in the form of ice to produce 350 mL and stir until homogeneous. Mix the
Chloroform and the Benzoic Acid Solution, dissolve the Vanillin in the mixture and add to the
methylcellulose dispersion while stirring vigorously for 5 minutes. Add the Saccharin Sodium
dissolved in Water and dilute to 500 mL with Water. Add the Liquid Paraffin, stirring constantly, and
pass through a homogeniser.
The oral emulsion complies with the requirements stated under Oral Liquids and with the following
requirements.
Content of liquid paraffin
44.0 to 49.0% w/w.
ASSAY
To 5 g add 10 mL of water, extract with two 40 mL quantities of a mixture of 2 volumes of ethanol
(96%), 3 volumes of petroleum spirit (boiling range, 40 to 60) and 3 volumes of ether and then
with 30 mL of a mixture of equal volumes of petroleum spirit (boiling range, 40 to 60) and ether .
Wash the combined extracts with 15 mL of 0.5M sodium hydroxide and then with 15 mL of water,
evaporate the solvent, add 5 mL of acetone and evaporate again. Repeat the addition and
evaporation of acetone until the residue is free from water, dry at 105 for 15 minutes and weigh.

BNF
Liquid paraffin Laxative (faecal softener)
LIQUID PARAFFINU
Indications constipation
Cautions avoid prolonged use; contra-indicated in
children under 3 years
Side-effects anal seepage of paraffin and consequent
anal irritation after prolonged use, granulomatous
reactions caused by absorption of small quantities of
liquid paraffin (especially from the emulsion), lipoid
pneumonia, and interference with the absorption of
fat-soluble vitamins

Dose

. See under preparation

Liquid Paraffin Oral Emulsion, BPU

Oral emulsion, liquid paraffin 5 mL, vanillin 5 mg,
chloroform 0.025 mL, benzoic acid solution 0.2 mL,
methylcellulose-20 200 mg, saccharin sodium
500 micrograms, water to 10mL
Dose ADULT over 18 years, 1030mL at night when
required
Counselling Should not be taken immediately before going
to bed

1.6.4