POLYOXYETHYLATEDCASTOROIL

Use

Polyoxyethylated castor oil is a non-ionic emulsifying agent produced by reacting ethylene oxide with castor oil. It has been used for over 20 years to prepare stable injectable liquid preparations of drugs with low aqueous solubility. By the mid-1970s, its use had been associated with cases of severe anaphylactoid reactions and haematological changes including hyperlipidaemia, altered blood viscosity and erythrocyte aggregation. For the formulation of certain lipophilic substances such as ciclosporin there is currently no viable alternative to this pharmaceutical aid. It continues to be approved in some countries whereas its use is restricted or banned in others. One manufacturer has withdrawn worldwide all products containing polyoxyethylated castor oil.