Castor Oil
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jan 17, 2025.
Excipient (pharmacologically inactive substance)
What is it?
As a pharmaceutical grade inactive ingredient, castor oil is used to emulsify and solubilize oils and other water-insoluble substances. A brand name product that contains castor oil is Cremophor and it contains a range of non-ionic polyethoxylated detergents. It was originally developed for use as solubilizers and emulsifiers. This research grade product is intended for use in R&D and development only. Hydrogenated castor oil (castor wax) is also used an extended release agent; stiffening agent; tablet and capsule lubricant. Castor oil has been used as a stimulant laxative to relieve occasional constipation, but it is rarely used today due to gentler and safer alternatives.[1]
Some examples of medications containing Castor Oil
- Cardizem CD 120 mg
- Cardizem CD 240 mg
- Cardizem CD 180 mg
- Cardizem CD 300 mg
- Clopidogrel Bisulfate 75 mg (base)
- Clopidogrel Bisulfate 75 mg (base)
- K-Tab 20 mEq (1500 mg)
- K-Tab 10 mEq (750 mg)
- Paroxetine Hydrochloride Extended-Release 25 mg
- Pentasa 500 mg
- Plavix 300 mg
- Potassium Chloride Extended-Release 10 mEq (750 mg)
- Potassium Chloride Extended-Release 20 mEq (1500 mg)
- Pseudoephedrine Hydrochloride Extended Release 120 mg
- Ranitidine Hydrochloride 300 mg
- Ropinirole Hydrochloride Extended-Release 6 mg
- Ropinirole Hydrochloride Extended-Release 4 mg
- SudoGest 12 Hour 120 mg
- Tylenol Extra Strength 500 mg
- Tylenol Regular Strength 325 mg
References
- [1]Dave RH. Overview of pharmaceutical excipients used in tablets and capsules. Drug Topics (online). Advanstar. 10/24/2008 http://drugtopics.modernmedicine.com/drugtopics/Top+News/Overview-of-pharmaceutical-excipients-used-in-tabl/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/561047. Accessed 03/27/2014
Further information
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