ATC code: A06AB05.

International nonproprietary name:  Castor oil.

Drug form: Oil for internal and external use.

Description: Colorless or pale yellow color, specific odor transparent oil.

Composition: Castor oil 50 ml.

Pharmacological group: Herbal origin laxatives.

Pharmacological operation: By the influence of lipase from the Castor oil is formed ricinoleic acid in the alkaline environment of duodenum, which in condition of 0,5 l/l concentration irritates  intestinal receptors and strengthens its peristaltic reflexively. By the influence of Castor oil there is terminated absorption of electrolytes and water in the walls of intestine, reinforces water secretion and increases volume of the content of intestines.  It reinforces motility, accelerates the process of intestines emptying. The laxative effect reveals after 2-6 hours from intake. When taking 4g oil, absorbtion of ricinoleic acid makes up 100%, and when taking 50g oil- only 36%; 60g oil taking – 10%. For laxative effect it is necessary to intake 10 g oil.

When using preparation there is mentioned reflex contractility of the uterine muscle.

Castor oil represents mono-nonsaturated nature fatty acids. It is unique among fats and oils, as it is the only source of 18-carbon hydroxyl group and one fatty acids having double bond. It contains approximately 87% of  ricinoleic acid, also acids of  palmitin, olein, linoleic that are absorbed from the skin surface very well and contribute to the nutrition, strengthening and growing of hair roots.

Indication:

·      Acute constipation;

·      Poisoning;

·      Nutritional intoxication.

Order of use and dosage: As a laxative, in adults is taken 15-30 ml (1-2 tablespoon) 1 time in a day, in children from 12 to 14 years: 5-15 ml (1-3 teaspoon) in a day.

Treatment should continue for 4-7 days.

Precautions: Castor oil, as a laxative is recommended to use not more than three days. Long use of Castor oil may cause digestion disorder, also absorption decrease of A and D vitamins, accordingly – hypovitaminosis.

Side effects:

·      Abdominal pain, nausea;

·      Digestion disorder, enterocolitis – in case of frequent use, A and D hypovitaminosis.

Contraindication:

·      Chronic constipation;

·      Acute intestinal inflammation (including appendicitis);

·      Abdominal pain of unknown etiology;

·      Pregnancy and lactation period;

·      Children up to 12 years.

Interaction with other  medicines: Intake with fat-soluble vitamins reduces absorption of A, D and K vitamins.

M - anticholinergic agents (antipyrin, platyphyllin), spasmolytic (papaverine, drotaverinum) reduce action of the Castor oil.

Anticholinesterase drug (Neostigmine, Rivastigminum) and glycerine reinforce operation of Castor oil.

Overdose: In case of taking more than 7g/kg Castor oil, there is mentioned symptoms of overdose: abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness.

Atropine sulfate and loperamide are antidotes.

In case of overdose you need to stop oil using and intake of large amount of liquid.

Use in paediatrics: Castor oil isn’t prescribed in children under the age of 12 because of high sensitivity toward digestion irritators and possible development of dehydration.

Pregnancy and lactation period: Use of preparation in pregnancy and lactation period isn’t recommended.

Influence on vehicle and mechanisms management: Does not affect on the management of transport and mechanisms.

Drug release form: 50ml oil in a dark orange colour polymeric material or glass vial;

Order of issue: III group of pharmaceutical product – is issued without prescription.

Date of expire:  3 years.

Storage condition: Is kept in 8-15⁰C temperature, protected from light and inaccessible for children. Do not use preparation after expire or in case of visual defect.