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Overview: Castor oil is used to help you poop if you are having trouble with constipation. Common side effects may include nausea, diarrhea, or stomach cramps. You should not use castor oil for more than one week unless your health care provider tells you to do so. Castor oil may affect the absorption of other medicines. Before taking castor oil, make sure to tell your health care provider about any medicines you take by mouth. You will need to take these at different times.

Uses

What is castor oil used for?

Castor oil is commonly used to help you poop if you are constipated.

Castor oil may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does castor oil work (mechanism of action)?

Castor oil is known as a stimulant laxative. It works to help with constipation by increasing the movement of food through your intestines. The medicine helps to move poop out of your body.

How is castor oil supplied (dosage forms)?

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 100% liquid

How should I store castor oil?

Store castor oil in a tightly closed bottle away from high temperatures.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of castor oil?

The most common side effects of castor oil are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea
  • Stomach cramps

There may be other side effects of castor oil that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of castor oil?

While less common, the most serious side effects of castor oil are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Castor oil may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking castor oil and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use castor oil?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take castor oil.

  • Castor oil
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific castor oil products they stock.

What should I know about castor oil before using it?

Follow the instructions on your product. Castor oil usually makes you poop within 6-12 hours after taking it.

Keep castor oil out of the reach of children.

You should not take castor oil for more than one week unless your health care provider tells you to do so.

Stop taking castor oil and contact your health care provider if you have blood in your poop or if you are not able to poop while taking it.

Talk with your health care provider if you take another medicine by mouth. Castor oil may affect the ability of other medicines that you take by mouth to get absorbed. You will need to take castor oil at a different time than when you take other medicines by mouth. Your health care provider can help you know when to take each medicine.

What should I tell my health care provider before using castor oil?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if castor oil is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

Other Medicines and Supplements. Castor oil may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking castor oil, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. Castor oil may cause harm to a fetus. You should not take castor oil while you are pregnant. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if castor oil passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should take castor oil while breastfeeding.

Interactions

Does castor oil interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between castor oil and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect castor oil.

Does castor oil interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using another stimulant laxative, which is a medicine used for constipation, while taking castor oil.

Stimulant laxatives may not be the only medicine that can interact with castor oil. Castor oil may affect the absorption of other medicines. Always check with your health care provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much castor oil?

If you or someone else has used too much castor oil, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of castor oil?

Castor oil is meant to be used only when needed. Use it according to the product label or as your health care provider recommends. Do not take double or extra doses.