MCT Oil

Generic name: Medium Chain Triglycerides [ mee-DEE-um-chane-trye-GLIS-er-ides ]
Brand names: Betaquik, Liquigen, MCT Oil
Drug class: Oral nutritional supplements

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Mar 16, 2024.

Uses of MCT Oil:

• Medium chain triglyceride oil is used as a diet aid.
• It may be used if you have malabsorption syndrome.
• It may be used in a ketogenic diet.

What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take MCT Oil?

• If you have an allergy to coconuts, coconut oil, medium chain triglycerides, or any other part of MCT Oil (medium chain triglycerides).
• If you are allergic to MCT Oil (medium chain triglycerides); any part of MCT Oil (medium chain triglycerides); or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.

This medicine may interact with other drugs or health problems.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take MCT Oil (medium chain triglycerides) with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take MCT Oil?

• Tell all of your health care providers that you take MCT Oil (medium chain triglycerides). This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using MCT Oil (medium chain triglycerides) while you are pregnant.
• Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about any risks to your baby.

How is this medicine (MCT Oil) best taken?

Use MCT Oil (medium chain triglycerides) as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

• Follow what your doctor has told you to do.
• Some brands of MCT Oil (medium chain triglycerides) may be mixed with food or drink. Check with the pharmacist if you have questions.
• Some brands of MCT Oil (medium chain triglycerides) are best taken chilled. Check with the pharmacist if you have questions.
• Some of these drugs need to be shaken before use. Be sure you know if this product needs to be shaken before using it.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Take a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
• If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
• Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.

What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Very upset stomach or throwing up.
• Very bad belly pain.
• Very bad skin irritation.
• If seizures are worse or not the same after starting MCT Oil (medium chain triglycerides).

Related/similar drugs

What are some other side effects of MCT Oil?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

• Belly pain.
• Diarrhea.
• Upset stomach or throwing up.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

How do I store and/or throw out MCT Oil?

• Some brands of MCT Oil (medium chain triglycerides) need to be stored in a refrigerator. Some brands of MCT Oil (medium chain triglycerides) need to be stored at room temperature. If you have questions about how to store MCT Oil (medium chain triglycerides), talk with your pharmacist.
• After opening, be sure you know how long the product is good for and how to store it. Ask the doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.
• Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

• If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
• Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
• Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about MCT Oil (medium chain triglycerides), please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer