What is the recommended dose of castor oil for a bowel regimen?

From the Guidelines

The recommended dose of castor oil for a bowel regimen is not explicitly stated in the most recent and highest quality study, but based on the available evidence, a dose of 15-60 mL (1-4 tablespoons) can be considered for adults, while children should receive a lower dose under medical supervision. When considering the use of castor oil for bowel regimen, it is essential to weigh the potential benefits against the risks, particularly in terms of morbidity, mortality, and quality of life 1. The study published in Gut in 2020 provides guidance on the management of adult patients with severe chronic small intestinal dysmotility, including the use of laxatives such as castor oil, although it does not provide a specific dose for castor oil 1. However, another study published in Pediatrics in 2008 provides dosage information for castor oil, suggesting a dose of 1 g/kg up to 15 g (60 mL) every 6 h as needed, but this study is less recent and may not be directly applicable to the current context 1. It is crucial to note that castor oil should only be used for short-term relief of occasional constipation and not as a regular treatment, due to its potential side effects and interactions. Key considerations for the use of castor oil include:

• Taking the medication on an empty stomach, preferably in the morning
• Bowel movements typically occurring within 2-6 hours after ingestion
• Potential side effects, such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or signs of appendicitis
• The need for medical supervision in children under 2 years
• The importance of chilling the oil or mixing it with fruit juice to improve palatability. Overall, the decision to use castor oil for a bowel regimen should be made on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the individual patient's needs and medical history, and prioritizing their morbidity, mortality, and quality of life 1.

From the FDA Drug Label

Directions Adults and children over 12 years of age - 1 to a maximum of 4 Tablespoons (15 to 60 mL) in a single daily dose children 2 to under 12 years of age - 1 to a maximum of 3 teaspoons (5 to 15 mL) in a single daily dose children under 2 years of age - do not use, consult a doctor

The recommended dose of castor oil for a bowel regimen is:

• 1 to 4 Tablespoons (15 to 60 mL) per day for adults and children over 12 years of age
• 1 to 3 teaspoons (5 to 15 mL) per day for children 2 to under 12 years of age
• Not recommended for children under 2 years of age, consult a doctor 2

From the Research

Recommended Dose of Castor Oil for Bowel Regimen

The recommended dose 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 2005 3 used a dose of 10 ml/kg of castor oil to induce diarrhea in rats.
• A study published in 2019 4 used a dose of 1 mL/100 g body weight of castor oil to induce diarrhea in mice.
• A study published in 2010 5 used castor oil per oral twice daily for 1 week before and 2 weeks after full-thickness biopsies, but the exact dose is not specified.
• A study published in 2020 6 compared the efficacy of castor oil and bisacodyl with sodium picosulphate magnesium citrate for bowel cleansing prior to colonoscopy, but the exact dose of castor oil is not specified.
• A study published in 2021 7 used a dose of 15 mL of castor oil as a booster in colon capsule regimens to improve completion rates and polyp detection.

Key Findings

• Castor oil can be used to induce diarrhea in animal models 3, 4.
• Castor oil can be used as a bowel preparation agent prior to colonoscopy 6.
• The addition of castor oil as a booster in colon capsule regimens can improve completion rates and polyp detection 7.
• The exact dose of castor oil for a bowel regimen is not explicitly stated in the provided studies, and more research is needed to determine the optimal dose.