Latin, Oleum Ricini

Eng., Castor Oil. A fixed oil expressed from the seed of Ricinus communis.

Average Dose

4 fluidrachms (15 mils). Castor Oil is contained in Flexible Collodion.

Therapeutic Action

Purgative, emollient, lubricant.

Uses

Probably the most valuable and extensively used purgative in medicine. Particularly indicated after parturition and operations, and for acute digestive disturbances. Externally used in the treatment of burns, ulcers, chronic indurative skin diseases, conjunctivitis, and many other conditions.

Administration

Among the various ways for the patient to take castor oil, probably the most satisfactory is to incorporate it with an ounce or two of the fresh or bottled pineapple-juice. It is also frequently taken in soda pop, orange-juice, etc. The claim is often made that a small dose occasions more abdominal inconvenience than a large one; so many practitioners never give less than a tablespoonful to an average child over one year old. In administering the oil to children, the first dose will frequently be vomited. If it is repeated promptly it will almost always be retained.

It is a valuable agent to check persistent vomiting resulting from gastric irritation. The first one or two doses may be vomited and then a dose retained with a subsidence of the nausea.

Many so-called tasteless preparations are on the market. Some of them are more disagreeable than the pure oil.

Castor Oil often exhibits a constipating effect after the purgative action; so that it is sometimes advisable to give with it some cascara sagrada or other purgative.

It is frequently recommended by the physician as a purgative, but it is so well known and generally kept by the laity that it is not often a part of a regular prescription.

It is sometimes employed locally either alone or with other agents.

The so-called"tasteless"Castor Oil may be ordered as follows:

M.

Sig

Tablespoonful as directed.

An Emulsion of Castor Oil is said to be ( ?) less unpleasant to take, and more active than the amount of oil it represents.

M. ft. emul.

Sig

Tablespoonful as directed. (Shake-label.)

Oleum Menthae Piperitae, Oleum Aurantii Corticis, Oleum Limonis or other flavors may be substituted for the Oleum Gaultheriae.

In burns, diphtheria, etc., of the conjunctiva:

Sig

Drop in eyes every two hours.

In a surgical dressing for burns, ulcers, etc.:

M.

Sig

Apply freely as directed.

In the treatment of seborrhoea capitis:

M.

Sig

Apply as directed.