From the Guidelines
For a bowel regimen, castor oil is typically taken in a dosage of 15-60 ml (1-4 tablespoons) for adults as a single dose, as recommended by recent guidelines 1. When considering the use of castor oil, it is essential to start with a lower dose of 15 ml and increase if needed, taking it on an empty stomach, preferably in the morning, as it works within 2-6 hours.
- The oil can be mixed with juice or followed by a beverage to mask its unpleasant taste.
- Children should receive reduced doses: 5-15 ml for ages 2-12 years, and only under medical supervision for younger children. Castor oil works as a stimulant laxative by breaking down into ricinoleic acid in the small intestine, which irritates the intestinal lining and increases bowel movement, as described in a study published in Gut 1.
- Side effects may include abdominal cramping, nausea, and diarrhea. It is crucial to avoid using castor oil regularly as it can cause electrolyte imbalances and dependence, and to consult a healthcare provider before starting any laxative regimen, especially if you have underlying health conditions or take other medications, as highlighted in guidelines for managing constipation in advanced cancer 1.
- Do not use castor oil if pregnant, experiencing abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or if you have a bowel obstruction. The use of castor oil should be approached with caution, considering its potential side effects and interactions, and alternative options such as osmotic laxatives or stimulant laxatives may be preferred in certain situations, as recommended by recent guidelines 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
Adults and children 12 yrs. of age and older: 15 to 60 milliliters in a single daily dose or as directed by a doctor. Children 2 to under 12 yrs. of age: 5 to 15 milliliters in a single dose or as directed by a doctor. The recommended dosage of castor oil for a bowel regimen is:
- 15 to 60 milliliters for adults and children 12 years of age and older, in a single daily dose
- 5 to 15 milliliters for children 2 to under 12 years of age, in a single dose as directed by a doctor 2.
From the Research
Dosage of Castor Oil for Bowel Regimen
The dosage of castor oil for a bowel regimen is not explicitly stated in the provided studies. However, the following information can be gathered:
- A study published in the World journal of gastrointestinal pharmacology and therapeutics 3 used castor oil as a booster for colon capsule endoscopy preparation, but it does not specify the exact dosage used.
- The study found that the castor oil-based regimen could reduce bowel preparation dose and improve colon capsule endoscopy tolerability.
- Another study published in the American journal of surgery 4 discusses pharmacologic strategies and nutritional considerations in the management of small bowel fistulas, but it does not provide information on the dosage of castor oil for bowel regimen.
Key Findings
- The castor oil-based regimen was implemented in 17 patients, with a capsule excretion rate within the battery life of 88% (15/17) 3.
- The mean large bowel transit time was 236 min, and approximately 70% of patients had satisfactory colon cleansing levels 3.
- No serious adverse events occurred during the study, and 12 patients (71%) rated the colon capsule endoscopy as more than "good", confirming the new regimen's tolerability 3.