Castor Oil
Class: Cathartics and Laxatives
ATC Class: A06AB05
VA Class: GA204
CAS Number: 8001-79-4
Brands: Emulsoil, Neoloid, Purge
Introduction
Castor oil, a stimulant laxative, is a fixed oil obtained from the seeds of Ricinus communis.
Uses for Castor Oil
Constipation
Has been used as a stimulant laxative to relieve occasional constipation. However, castor oil usually is avoided for simple constipation because it produces violent purgation.
Use of stimulant laxatives for simple constipation is seldom necessary or desirable.
If a stimulant laxative is used, senna derivatives are preferred.
Stimulant laxatives have been used to treat constipation that occurs following prolonged bed rest or hospitalization.
Stimulant laxatives have been used to treat constipation resulting from diminished colonic motor response in geriatric patients but, because this type of constipation is frequently due to psychological or physical laxative dependence, the bulk-forming laxatives are preferred.
Stimulant laxatives are used to treat constipation occurring secondary to idiopathic slowing of transit time, to constipating drugs, or to irritable bowel or spastic colon syndrome.
Stimulant laxatives have been used to treat constipation in patients with neurologic constipation.
Colonic Evacuation
Used orally to empty the bowel prior to surgery or radiologic, proctoscopic, or sigmoidoscopic procedures, when thorough evacuation is essential.
Usually supplemented with administration of rectal evacuants, such as saline, stimulant, or soapsuds enemas, immediately before radiologic procedures.
Castor Oil Dosage and Administration
Administration
Oral Administration
Administer orally.
Emulsions or aromatic or flavored preparations somewhat mask the disagreeable taste of castor oil.
Containers of the emulsion should be shaken before using, and the emulsion may be mixed with 120–240 mL of water, milk, fruit juice, or soft drink before administration.
Dosage
Usually reserved for total colonic evacuation, such as prior to surgery or radiologic, sigmoidoscopic, or proctoscopic procedures.
Pediatric Patients
Constipation
Use in children for occasional constipation generally is avoided.
Colonic Evacuation
To prepare for colonic surgery or radiologic, sigmoidoscopic, or proctoscopic procedures, the patient should receive a residue-free diet 1 day before the surgery or procedure and a cleansing rectal enema (e.g., tap water, soap suds, saline laxative, bisacodyl) on the day of the examination.
Additionally, standardized senna fruit extract may be administered 4 hours after castor oil.
Oral
Administer as a single dose about 16 hours before surgery or procedure.
Children <2 Years of Age: 1–5 mL.
Children 2–11 Years of Age: 5–15 mL for children.
Children ≥12 years of Age: Usually, 15–60 mL.
Adults
Constipation
Oral
15 mL, but rarely indicated for occasional constipation.
