My Wife Has A Low GFR, Around 18. She Also

Posted on Sun, 11 Aug 2019

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 11 Aug 2019 Answered on

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Question : My wife has a low GFR, around 18. She also is constipated due to all the meds she has to take She tries mineral oil but she is wondering if it might cause kidney problems as her GFR has gone down from 25 recently. XXXXXXX Demint

Follow up: Dr. Bhagyesh V. Patel (-5 hours later)

My wife has a low GFR, around 18. She also is constipated due to all the meds she has to take She tries mineral oil but she is wondering if it might cause kidney problems as her GFR has gone down from 25 recently. XXXXXXX Demint

Answered by Dr. Bhagyesh V. Patel (39 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Psyllium husk or Ispaghula is better option against mineral oil.

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to Ask A Doctor services.
I have read your query and here is my advise.

* As GFR is low , mineral oil intake may alter certain basic parameters of
kidney in particularly electrolytes balance.

* Better option for constipation would be more of fiber intake, allowable
liquids and bulk forming laxative as Ispaghula or Psyllium husk which are
proven best, safe with excellent results in such cases.

It is recommended to discuss the constipation issue with her consultant for better management.

Thanks.
Dr Bhagyesh ( MS consultant surgeon )

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj