Castor Oil

Castor oil can be used as an irritant/simulative laxative. Castor oil is a natural emollient and a few drops may also be used to remedy dry skin, as a massage oil, and may benefit hair as a treatment. Castor oil contains ricinoleic acid, a fatty acid that comprises about 90% of the oil.

• Castor oil is available under the following different brand names: Fleet Castor Oil and Emulsoil.

• Oral Solution, 100%

Adult Dosage

• 15-60 mL orally in one dose

• 15-60 mL orally once, 16 hours before the procedure

Pediatric Dosage

• under 2 years: 1-5 mL orally once
• 2-12 years: 5-15 mL orally once
• over 12 years: 15-60 mL orally once

Side effects of castor oil include:

• dizziness
• abdominal cramps
• diarrhea
• nausea
• electrolyte disturbance
• low blood pressure
• pelvic congestion

This document does not contain all possible side effects and others may occur. Check with your physician for additional information about side effects.

If your doctor has directed you to use this medication, your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor, health care provider, or pharmacist first.

• Castor oil has no noted interactions with other drugs.

This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist. Check with your physician if you have health questions or concerns.

Warnings

This medication contains castor oil. Do not take Fleet Castor Oil or Emulsoil if you are allergic to castor oil or any ingredients contained in this drug.

Keep out of reach of children. In case of overdose, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center immediately.

Contraindications

Avoid use if hypersensitivity, GI obstruction or perforation, severe impaction, symptoms of appendicitis or acute surgical abdomen, ulcerative colitis, and rectal fissures.

Effects of Drug Abuse

There are no effects of drug abuse with the use of castor oil.

Short-term Effects

There are no short-term effects from the use of castor oil.

Long-term Effects

There are no long-term effects from the use of castor oil.

Cautions

Avoid pregnancy as it can induce premature labor.

Pregnancy and Lactation

Consult a physician before use as it may induce premature labor in pregnancy. Safe to use when lactating.