Castor oil for oral administration 30 g

Castor oil is a laxative of vegetable origin.

Pharmacodynamics

The mechanism of action of castor oil is due to ricinolic acid released from it in the duodenal lumen. At a concentration of 0.5 mmol/l, ricinolic acid irritates receptors throughout the intestine and inhibits Na+/K+/2Cl–transporters, as a result electrolyte absorption is stopped and water absorption is secondary delayed.

In concentrations greater than 2 mmol/L ricinoleic acid increases water secretion into the intestinal lumen. Under the influence of castor oil increases the volume of intestinal contents, increases intestinal motility and accelerates its emptying. Remaining in the intestine oil facilitates the movement of feces in the large intestine. The laxative effect develops 2 to 6 hours after taking the oil and weakens after emptying the bowels.

When irritating the intestinal receptors castor oil reflexively stimulates spinal cord centers coordinating contractile activity of the myometrium. As a result, castor oil increases uterine contractions during pregnancy.

Pharmacokinetics

After oral administration in the alkaline environment of the duodenum in the presence of bile under the influence of lipase ricinolic acid is formed from the oil. Absorption of ricinoleic acid is inversely proportional to the dose taken. When oil is administered in a dose of 4 g, absorption of ricinolic acid is about 100%; when administered in a dose of 50 g, only 36% is absorbed (the rest of the acid is excreted with the feces within 24 hours); when administered in a dose of 60 g, the percentage of absorbed acid is only 10%.

The absorption rate of ricinoleic acid is half the absorption rate of oleic acid. At least 10 g of oil must be taken to develop a loosening effect. The absorbed portion of ricinolic acid undergoes β-oxidation in the liver and skeletal muscles and is included in metabolic processes.

Indications

Acute constipation; weakness of labor (as part of complex therapy); to stimulate hair growth; food intoxications; bowel cleansing before diagnostic procedures; poisoning; burns, wounds, skin ulcers, hyperkeratosis.

Active ingredient

Common castor oil seeds

Composition

The 100% castor oil

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How to take, the dosage

As a laxative administered to adults 15 – 30 g once a day. When colon cleansing before diagnostic procedures it is taken 2 – 6 hours before the study.

Children at the age of 12-14 years are prescribed 5 – 15 g once a day. In case of weakness of labor forces castor oil is used against the background of using agents stimulating uterine contractile activity and 40-50 g once to induce labor activity.

In dermatological practice to soften the skin and to remove scales from excessive keratinization it is used topically in the form of rubbing with ethyl alcohol in the ratio of 1:10 with 2% salicylic acid added (10 g of castor oil, 2 g of salicylic acid, ethyl alcohol to 100 ml).

The lotion shall be rubbed into the lesion once a day for 4 – 7 days, after which the lesion shall be mechanically cleaned and treatment shall be continued.

To enhance hair growth, a solution consisting of 10 g of castor oil and 100 ml of 96% ethyl alcohol is prepared and rubbed into the scalp. In treatment of burns, skin wounds it is used topically in the form of pads and emulsions in distilled water 1 – 2 times a day under a bandage.

Interaction

When used topically, it increases the transcutaneous absorption of drugs applied together with it on the skin.

Concomitant use reduces absorption of fat-soluble vitamins A, D and K. In doses up to 4 g / day increases absorption of fat-soluble drugs – male fern extract, mebendazole, griseofulvin, probucol.

In concomitant use with saline laxatives a sharp increase in the laxative effect is possible.

M-cholinoblocking drugs (atropine sulfate, platifiline, pirenzepine), antispasmodics (papaverine, drotaverine) weaken the effect of castor oil.

It enhances the effect of agents that stimulate myometrial contractile activity (methylergometrine, ergometrine, oxytocin, prostaglandins) up to the threat of uterine rupture in labor.

The anticholinesterase agents (neostigmine, pyridostigmine, rivastigmine) and glycerol enhance the laxative effect of castor oil.

Special Instructions

Caution when using.

The use of castor oil as a laxative for more than 3 days is not recommended because it can disrupt digestion and absorption of vitamins A and D, with the development of hypovitaminosis.

The use of castor oil during treatment with medicines derived from the male fern is contraindicated since their systemic absorption and development of neurotoxic action are possible.

Impact on the ability to drive and operate machinery.

When taking castor oil it is not recommended to drive vehicles, you should refrain from other operating activities due to possible impairment of concentration during the onset of effect.

Contraindications

• Acute inflammatory bowel disease (including appendicitis);

• Individual intolerance;

• Chronic constipation;

• acute and chronic glomerulonephritis;

• mechanical intestinal obstruction;

• abdominal pain of unclear genesis;

• intestinal and uterine bleeding;

• poisoning with fat-soluble poisons (including gasoline, carbon tetrachloride, male fern extract);

• tubulointerstitial nephritis;

• childhood (under 12 years of age);

• pregnancy and lactation.

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Side effects

• Hypovitaminosis A and D with repeated use;

• Abdominal pain, nausea;

• digestive disorders, enterocolitis with repeated use;

• habituation with repeated use;

• blood rush to the pelvic organs.

Overdose

The specific antidotes are atropine sulfate and loperamide.

Care measures include withdrawal of the drug, replenishment of fluid and electrolyte losses (combined oral and intravenous administration is preferable), supportive and symptomatic therapy aimed at eliminating the resulting disorders.

If neurotoxic effects develop, diazepam 5 – 10 mg intravenously is administered.

It develops when taking castor oil at a dose of more than 7 g/kg body weight. Diarrhea, severe abdominal cramps, impaired renal function, dizziness, hallucinations, loss of consciousness are characteristic.