II. Indications

  1. Functional Constipation
    1. Has been used historically as a Laxative, but has been replaced by newer agents

III. Mechanism

  1. Castor Oil is a vegetable oil pressed from castor bean (Ricinus communis) seeds
  2. Castor Oil acts as a Stimulant Laxative

IV. Precautions

  1. Avoid chronic use of Stimulant Laxatives (see adverse effects below)

V. Pharmacokinetics

  1. Not absorbed

VI. Dosing: Constipation

  1. Adult: Take 15 to 60 ml/day orally as needed for Constipation
    1. Historically, 30 to 60 ml was used 16 hours prior to Colonoscopy

VII. Pharmacokinetics

  1. Onset: 2 to 6 hours

VIII. Adverse Effects

  1. Unpalatable taste
    1. Better tolerated in emulsion form and when chilled
    2. May combine with juice or carbonated drinks to mask the taste

IX. Adverse Effects: Long-term use (Laxative abuse)

  1. See Stimulant Laxative
  2. Avoid prolonged use (habit forming)!
  3. Colonic denervation and atony (Cathartic colon)
    1. Decreased motility of right colon with secondary worsening Constipation
    2. Associated with Anthraquinone Laxatives
    3. Results from myenteric plexus injury
  4. Electrolyte and nutritional disturbance
    1. Hypokalemia
    2. Sodium overload
    3. Protein-losing Enteropathy
  5. Melanosis coli
    1. Benign darkening of colonic mucosa
    2. Macrophage deposition in lamina propria

X. Safety

  1. Pregnancy Category X
  2. Unknown safety in Lactation

XI. References

  1. Hamilton (2020) Tarascon Pocket Pharmacopoeia

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Related Studies

Cost: Medications

castor oil (on 3/1/2023 at Medicaid.Gov Survey of pharmacy drug pricing)
CASTOR OIL Generic OTC $0.02 per ml

Ontology: Castor Oil (C0007343)

Definition (NCI) A vegetable oil pressed from the seeds of the castor bean, Ricinus communis. Castor oil has many industrial applications and is used medicinally as a laxative and as an excipient.
Definition (MSH) Oil obtained from seeds of Ricinus communis that is used as a cathartic and as a plasticizer.
Concepts Pharmacologic Substance (T121) , Lipid (T119)
MSH D002368
SnomedCT 354057006, 421622007, 34239008, 317517005
English Castor Oil, Oil, Castor, Castor oil [eye], Castor oil [laxative], CASTOR OIL MISC. OIL, CASTOR OIL @ @ OIL, CASTOR OIL OIL, castor oil (medication), laxatives castor oil, Castor Oil [Chemical/Ingredient], CASTOR OIL [VA Product], CASTOR OIL, castor, ricini oleum, oleum ricini, castor eyes oil, castor oil laxative, CASTOR OIL MISCELL OIL (ML), CASTOR OIL@@MISCELL@OIL (ML), Castor Oil Oil, castor oil, Castor oil (product), Castor oil, Oleum ricini, Castor oil liquid, Castor oil (substance), Castor oil liquid (product), Castor oil liquid (substance)
Swedish Ricinolja
Czech ricinový olej
Finnish Risiiniöljy
Russian KASTOROVOE MASLO, MASLO KASTOROVOE, КАСТОРОВОЕ МАСЛО, МАСЛО КАСТОРОВОЕ
Polish Olej rycynowy, Olej rącznikowy
Spanish aceite de ricino (producto), aceite de castor (producto), aceite de castor (sustancia), aceite de castor, aceite de ricino (sustancia), aceite de ricino, óleo de ricino, Aceite de Ricino
French Huile de ricin
Portuguese Óleo de Mamona, Óleo de Rícino
German Rizinusöl
Italian Olio di ricino