Usage
- White Soft Paraffin is primarily prescribed for dry skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, ichthyosis, and xerosis. It is also used to treat or prevent dry, rough, scaling skin, chapped lips, and to protect the skin from harsh chemicals. It can be used as a protective barrier to prevent skin irritation from urine and feces, especially in infants. In ophthalmology, it is used to lubricate and protect the eye in dry eye conditions. It is also used as an excipient in some pharmaceutical formulations and cosmetics.
- Pharmacological Classification: Emolient, skin protectant, lubricant (ophthalmic), laxative (oral).
- Mechanism of Action: White Soft Paraffin works by forming an occlusive barrier on the skin’s surface, which prevents water loss and helps to retain moisture. This softens the skin, and improves hydration, and reduces itching and irritation. When used in the eye, it lubricates and protects the ocular surface. When taken orally, it acts as a lubricant laxative, softening the stool and facilitating passage.
Alternate Names
- White Petrolatum
- Soft Paraffin
- Vaseline (brand name)
How It Works
- Pharmacodynamics: White Soft Paraffin creates a hydrophobic barrier that reduces transepidermal water loss, thereby increasing skin hydration and reducing dryness and roughness. Ophthalmically, it provides lubrication and protection to the ocular surface. Orally, it lubricates the intestinal tract and softens the stool.
- Pharmacokinetics: Topically, White Soft Paraffin is minimally absorbed into the systemic circulation. Orally, a small amount may be absorbed. It is not metabolized and is primarily eliminated unchanged in the feces. Some may be eliminated through renal excretion following topical administration.
- Mode of Action: Physical barrier formation, preventing water loss. No receptor binding, enzyme inhibition, or neurotransmitter modulation involved.
Dosage
Standard Dosage
Adults:
- Apply to the affected area as needed, typically 2-3 times daily, or as directed by a healthcare professional. For dry eye, apply a small amount to the affected eye(s) as needed, typically at night.
Children:
- Apply to the affected area as needed, typically 2-3 times daily, or as directed by a healthcare professional. For infants and young children, a smaller amount may be sufficient.
Special Cases:
- Elderly Patients: No specific dosage adjustments are typically required.
- Patients with Renal Impairment: No specific dosage adjustments are typically required for topical use. For oral use, caution is advised, especially with prolonged use.
- Patients with Hepatic Dysfunction: No specific dosage adjustments are typically required.
- Patients with Comorbid Conditions: Use with caution in patients with swallowing difficulties or impaired neurodevelopment, especially for oral administration.
Clinical Use Cases:
- Intubation, Surgical Procedures, Mechanical Ventilation, Intensive Care Unit (ICU) Use, Emergency Situations: No specific dosage recommendations for these clinical use cases, use as needed to relieve dry skin.
Dosage Adjustments:
- No specific dosage adjustments are indicated, use as needed.
Side Effects
Common Side Effects:
- Mild skin irritation, redness, itching, or burning sensation at the application site.
- Allergic reactions (rare).
Rare but Serious Side Effects:
- Lipoid pneumonia (with oral ingestion).
Long-Term Effects:
- No specific long-term side effects have been reported with topical use. Prolonged oral use may interfere with the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.
Adverse Drug Reactions (ADR):
- Severe allergic reactions (rare).
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to White Soft Paraffin or any of the components in the formulation.
- Application to open wounds or infected skin.
- Oral use in patients with abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.
- Children under 3 years of age for oral use.
Drug Interactions
- May impair the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins with prolonged oral use.
- May increase the absorption of some topical medications.
- Topical application can make some surfaces slippery and increases the flammability of fabric in contact with it.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
- Topical use is generally considered safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. However, it is advisable to avoid applying to the breast area if breastfeeding, or wash the area thoroughly before feeding the infant.
- Oral use during pregnancy should be avoided unless specifically recommended by a physician.
Drug Profile Summary
- Mechanism of Action: Forms an occlusive barrier on the skin, preventing water loss. Orally, lubricates stool. Ophthalmically, lubricates and protects the eye.
- Side Effects: Skin irritation, allergic reactions (rare). Lipoid pneumonia (oral).
- Contraindications: Hypersensitivity, abdominal symptoms (oral), infected skin lesions.
- Drug Interactions: May impair absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. Increased flammability of fabrics.
- Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Topical use generally safe. Oral use should be avoided in pregnancy.
- Dosage: Topical: Apply as needed. Oral (adults): 15-45 ml/day for up to 1 week (for constipation).
- Monitoring Parameters: Skin irritation, allergic reactions (topical). Signs of lipoid pneumonia (oral).
Popular Combinations:
- Combined with other emollients or humectants.
Precautions
- General Precautions: Discontinue use if irritation or allergic reactions occur. Avoid contact with eyes. Do not use near open flames.
- Specific Populations: Consult a physician before use in patients with impaired swallowing, neurodevelopmental disorders, or liver/kidney disease, especially if using orally.
- Pregnant Women: Consult before oral use.
- Breastfeeding Mothers: Wash off the area thoroughly before feeding the infant if applied to the breast area.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q1: What is the recommended dosage for White Soft Paraffin?
A: Topically, apply to the affected area as needed, typically 2-3 times per day.
Q2: Can White Soft Paraffin be used on babies?
A: Yes, it is generally safe to use on babies, but use a small amount and avoid application to areas where it might be ingested.
Q3: Can I use White Soft Paraffin if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?
A: Topical use is generally considered safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. For oral use during pregnancy, consult a physician.
Q4: What are the common side effects of White Soft Paraffin?
A: Common side effects include mild skin irritation, redness, itching, or a burning sensation.
Q5: Are there any drug interactions with White Soft Paraffin?
A: It may interfere with the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins with prolonged oral use. Fabric that comes into contact with White Soft Paraffin and then dries can be more easily ignited with an open flame.
Q6: Can White Soft Paraffin be used for dry eyes?
A: Yes, it can be used as a lubricant for dry eyes. Apply a small amount to the affected eye(s) as needed, typically at night.
Q7: How should White Soft Paraffin be stored?
A: Store below 25°C (77°F) and protect from light. Do not refrigerate.
Q8: What should I do if I accidentally swallow White Soft Paraffin?
A: Consult a healthcare professional immediately.
Q9: Can White Soft Paraffin be used on broken skin?
A: No, it should not be used on broken skin or infected areas.
