Castor Oil (Emulsoil, Fleet Castor Oil, Purge)

Category:

  • Laxative

Description:

  • Stimulant laxative

Indications:

  • Constipation

  • Bowel preparation for surgery or examination

Contraindications:

  • Fecal impaction, GI bleeding

  • Appendicitis, intestinal obstruction

Precautions:

  • Pregnancy category X; excreted in breast milk

  • Abdominal pain, nausea/vomiting

  • Laxative dependence, colonic atony from prolonged use

Adverse Reactions (Side Effects):

  • GI: anorexia, colon irritation, cramps, diarrhea, flatus, nausea, rebound constipation, vomiting

  • METAB: alkalosis, fluid or electrolyte imbalance, hypokalemia

 

Dosage:

Administered orally

  • Adult:   PO liquid 15-60 ml

  • Child: 

    • >2 years: PO liquid 5-15 ml

    • <2 years: PO liquid 1.25-7.5 ml

 

 

Source: Operational Medicine 2001,  Health Care in Military Settings, NAVMED P-5139, May 1, 2001, Bureau of Medicine and Surgery, Department of the Navy, 2300 E Street NW, Washington, D.C., 20372-5300   

Gynecology and Obstetrics CD-ROM
Volumes 1-6
2004 Edition
 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins
Copyright 2004
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