Drug Reference

Castor Oil

Contact laxatives

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OTC

Fact box

Therapeutic class
Contact laxatives
Habit forming
No
Availability
Over-the-counter (OTC)

Brand names

OptaseVenelex

Available as

1000 MG/ML · Oral Solution793 MG/ML600 MG/ML · Oral Suspension0.788 MG/MG · Topical Ointment0.788 MG/MG · Topical Gel

FDA label sections are from openFDA and may not reflect the most recent labeling — confirm against the current DailyMed label.

Uses
Use For the temporary relief of occasional constipation. Bowel movement is generally produced in 6 to 12 hours.
How to use / dosing
Directions Preferably take on an empty stomach. May be taken with juice to improve taste. Adults and children 12 yrs. of age and older: 1 to 4 tablespoonfuls in a single daily dose or as directed by a doctor. Children 2 to under 12 yrs. of age: 1 to 3 tablespoonfuls in a single dose or as directed by a doctor. Children under 2 yrs. of age: Consult a doctor before use.

Safety advice

Conservative summary derived from FDA labeling — defaults to “consult your doctor” unless the label is explicit. Not a substitute for your clinician’s advice.

PregnancyNo information
No specific information in the FDA label.
BreastfeedingNo information
No specific information in the FDA label. Check LactMed →
AlcoholNo information
No specific information in the FDA label.
DrivingNo information
No specific information in the FDA label.
KidneyNo information
No specific information in the FDA label.
LiverNo information
No specific information in the FDA label.
Warnings & precautions
Warings Do not use when abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting are present unless directed by a doctor.

WARNINGS: Do not use if printed seal under cap is broken or missing
Current FDA labels (DailyMed)

8 marketed products on record (RxNorm)

Authoritative sources

Reference only — not clinical advice. Verify against current FDA labeling and consult a licensed provider. About half of pediatric drug use is off-label and is not reflected in FDA labels; absence of pediatric information does not mean a medicine is unused or unsafe in children.