Castor Oil (Emulsoil, Fleet Castor Oil, Purge)

Category:

• Laxative

Description:

• Stimulant laxative

Indications:

• Constipation

• Bowel preparation for surgery or examination

Contraindications:

• Fecal impaction, GI bleeding

• Appendicitis, intestinal obstruction

Precautions:

• Pregnancy category X; excreted in breast milk

• Abdominal pain, nausea/vomiting

• Laxative dependence, colonic atony from prolonged use

Adverse Reactions (Side Effects):

• GI: anorexia, colon irritation, cramps, diarrhea, flatus, nausea, rebound constipation, vomiting

• METAB: alkalosis, fluid or electrolyte imbalance, hypokalemia

Dosage:

Administered orally

• Adult:   PO liquid 15-60 ml

• Child: 

  • >2 years: PO liquid 5-15 ml

  • <2 years: PO liquid 1.25-7.5 ml