Castor Oil
Contact Laxatives
- Drug class
- Contact Laxatives
- Availability
- Over-the-counter
- Routes
- Oral
- Markets covered
- 1
- Products on record
- 3
- FDA reports (12 mo)
- 15
Overview
Plain-language summary, compiled from the cited regulatory records
Castor oil is a natural oil derived from the castor bean plant [1]. It is classified as a contact laxative [1]. Castor oil is approved for the relief of occasional constipation [1]. It generally produces a bowel movement within 6 to 12 hours of administration [1].
This active ingredient is available under various brand names [1]. In the past 12 months, there have been 15 adverse event reports associated with products containing castor oil [2]. The most frequently reported adverse events in these reports include dizziness, fatigue, headache, pruritus, and abdominal pain [2].
This is not medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional.
Regulatory status by market
| Market | Regulator | Products | Last revision |
|---|---|---|---|
| US United States | FDA | 3 | February 19, 2026 |
USUnited States· FDA
3 products
Uses
Use For relief of occasional constipation (irregularity). Generally produces bowel movement in 6 to 12 hours.
How to take
Drug interactions
Known interactions involving Castor Oil. Select one for details. This list is informational and not a complete interaction checker.
Interaction data compiled from DDInter (academic, CC-BY). Severity classification only - this is not a complete interaction checker and not medical advice.
Sources & citations
- [1]FDA DailyMed · 09e32476-1c60-4f… · revised February 19, 2026 [PDF]
- [2]OpenFDA adverse-event reports (US), 12 months ending June 4, 2026.
Information on this page is compiled from public regulatory records. Drugvu is not affiliated with any regulator or pharmaceutical manufacturer. This is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.