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 dose of castor oil for a bowel regimen is:
- 15 to 60 milliliters per day for adults and children 12 years of age and older
- 5 to 15 milliliters per day for children 2 to under 12 years of age
- For children under 2 years of age, a doctor should be consulted before use 1
From the Research
The recommended dose of castor oil for a bowel regimen is typically 15 mL, as seen in a study where 15 mL of castor oil was used as a booster in colon capsule regimens, significantly improving completion rates and polyp detection 2.
Key Considerations
- Castor oil works as a stimulant laxative by increasing intestinal motility through its active component, ricinoleic acid, which irritates the intestinal lining and promotes water and electrolyte secretion into the bowel.
- This medication should only be used for short-term relief of occasional constipation, not as a regular treatment.
- Avoid using castor oil if you have abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or signs of appendicitis or intestinal obstruction.
- Pregnant women should not use castor oil as it may stimulate uterine contractions.
- Long-term or frequent use can lead to dependence, electrolyte imbalances, and weakened bowel function.
Administration
- Take castor oil on an empty stomach, preferably in the morning, as it typically produces a bowel movement within 2-6 hours.
- The oil can be mixed with juice or followed by a citrus beverage to mask its unpleasant taste.
Evidence
- A study published in the World journal of gastrointestinal pharmacology and therapeutics in 2021 found that the addition of castor oil as a booster in colon capsule regimens significantly improved completion rates and polyp detection 2.
- Another study published in the same journal in 2021 also found that castor oil-based regimens could reduce bowel preparation dose and improve colon capsule endoscopy tolerability 3.
- However, the most recent and highest quality study, published in 2022, did not specifically mention castor oil as a recommended treatment for chronic constipation, instead recommending polyethylene glycol-based preparations and senna as first-line laxatives 4.