II. Indications
-
Functional Constipation
- Has been used historically as a Laxative, but has been replaced by newer agents
III. Mechanism
- Castor Oil is a vegetable oil pressed from castor bean (Ricinus communis) seeds
- Castor Oil acts as a Stimulant Laxative
IV. Precautions
- Avoid chronic use of Stimulant Laxatives (see adverse effects below)
V. Pharmacokinetics
- Not absorbed
VI. Dosing: Constipation
- Adult: Take 15 to 60 ml/day orally as needed for Constipation
- Historically, 30 to 60 ml was used 16 hours prior to Colonoscopy
VII. Pharmacokinetics
- Onset: 2 to 6 hours
VIII. Adverse Effects
- Unpalatable taste
- Better tolerated in emulsion form and when chilled
- May combine with juice or carbonated drinks to mask the taste
IX. Adverse Effects: Long-term use (Laxative abuse)
- See Stimulant Laxative
- Avoid prolonged use (habit forming)!
- Colonic denervation and atony (Cathartic colon)
- Decreased motility of right colon with secondary worsening Constipation
- Associated with Anthraquinone Laxatives
- Results from myenteric plexus injury
-
Electrolyte and nutritional disturbance
- Hypokalemia
- Sodium overload
- Protein-losing Enteropathy
-
Melanosis coli
- Benign darkening of colonic mucosa
- Macrophage deposition in lamina propria
X. Safety
- Pregnancy Category X
- Unknown safety in Lactation
XI. References
- Hamilton (2020) Tarascon Pocket Pharmacopoeia
Images: Related links to external sites (from Bing)
Related Studies
| castor oil (on 3/1/2023 at Medicaid.Gov Survey of pharmacy drug pricing) | ||
| CASTOR OIL | Generic OTC | $0.02 per ml |