Castor oil is a yellowish liquid often used as a lubricant and in laxatives. This article discusses poisoning from swallowing a large amount (overdose) of castor oil.

This is for information only and not for use in the treatment or management of an actual poison exposure. If you have an exposure, you should call your local emergency number (such as 911) or the National Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.

See also: Laxative overdose

Alphamul overdose; Emulsoil overdose; Laxopol overdose; Unisol overdose

• Castor oil

Castor oil comes from the castor oil plant (Ricinus communis). It can be found in the following products:

• Castor oil
• Alphamul
• Emulsoil
• Fleet Flavored Castor Oil
• Laxopol
• Unisol

Note: This list may not be all inclusive.

Next Section

Castor oil overdose Symptoms

Review Date: 07/20/2009
Reviewed By: Jacob L. Heller, MD, MHA, Emergency Medicine, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, Washington. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)