Dosing and uses of Fleet Castor Oil (castor oil)
Adult dosage forms and strengths
oral solution
- 30mL
- 60mL
Constipation
15 ml PO x1
Colonic Evacuation
15-60 ml PO x1, 16 hours before procedure
Other Indications & Uses
Usually reserved for total colonic evacuation before GI procedure
Pediatric dosage forms and strengths
oral solution
- 30mL
- 60mL
Constipation
<2 years old: 1-5 mL PO once
2-12 years old: 5-15 mL PO once
>12 years old: As in adults
Fleet Castor Oil (castor oil) adverse (side) effects
Frequency not defined
Excessive bowel activity
Abdominal cramping
Yellow/brown urine discoloration
Laxative dependence (Avoid chronic use)
Warnings
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity, GI obstruction or perforation, severe impaction, symptoms of appendicitis or acute surgical abdomen, ulcerative colitis, rectal fissures
Avoid in pregnancy: can induce premature labor
Pregnancy and lactation
Pregnancy category: X
Lactation: safe
Pregnancy categories
A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.
B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk.
C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done.
D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk.
X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist.
NA: Information not available.
Pharmacology of Fleet Castor Oil (castor oil)
Onset: 2-6 hr
Mechanism of action
Irritant/stimulant laxative
