Balsam Peru and Castor Oil

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Oct 26, 2023.

Pronunciation

(BAL sam pe RUE & KAS tor oyl)

Index Terms

Balsam Peru/Castor Oil
Castor Oil and Balsam Peru

Dosage Forms

Excipient information presented when available (limited, particularly for generics); consult specific product labeling.

Ointment, External:

BPCO: (60 g)

Dermulcera: (60 g)

Venelex: Balsam peru 87 mg and castor oil 788 mg per gram (5 g, 30 g, 60 g)

Generic: (60 g)

Brand Names: U.S.

BPCO
Dermulcera
Venelex

Pharmacologic Category

Protectant, Topical

Pharmacology

Balsam peru stimulates circulation at the wound site and may be mildly bactericidal; castor oil improves epithelialization, acts as a protectant covering and helps reduce pain

Use: Labeled Indications

Ulcer/wound management: Promotes wound healing by deodorizing and protectively covering chronic or acute wounds and dermal ulcers (eg, pressure ulcers, venous stasis ulcers, diabetic ulcers, first-/second-degree burns, surgical wounds, traumatic wound, superficial wounds, ulcers resulting from arterial insufficiency, ulcers resulting from grafted wound/donor sites).

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to balsam peru, castor oil, petrolatum, or any component of the formulation.

Dosing: Adult

Ulcer/wound management: Topical: Apply thin film twice daily or as often as necessary.

Dosing: Geriatric

Refer to adult dosing.

Administration

Topical: Do not apply on fresh arterial clots. Apply a thin film over the area being treated. May be used with appropriate dressing if needed, or wound may be left unbandaged. To remove, wash gently with appropriate wound cleanser.

Storage

Store at 20ºC to 25ºC (68ºF to 77ºF); excursions permitted between 15ºC and 30ºC (59ºF and 86ºF). Brief exposure to temperatures up to 40ºC (104ºF) may be tolerated provided the mean kinetic temperature does not exceed 25ºC (77ºF); however, such exposure should be minimized. Protect from freezing.

Drug Interactions

There are no known significant interactions.

Warnings/Precautions

Disease-related concerns:

• Hemoglobin deficiency: Wound healing may be retarded in the presence of hemoglobin deficiency.

• Zinc deficiency: Wound healing may be retarded in the presence of zinc deficiency.

Other warnings/precautions:

• Appropriate use: For external use only; avoid contact with eyes. Do not apply to fresh arterial clots.

Patient Education

What is this drug used for?

• It is used to promote healing of skin ulcers and wounds.

• It may be given to you for other reasons. Talk with the doctor.

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

• Stinging

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Severe skin irritation

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Note: This is not a comprehensive list of all side effects. Talk to your doctor if you have questions.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer: This information should not be used to decide whether or not to take this medicine or any other medicine. Only the healthcare provider has the knowledge and training to decide which medicines are right for a specific patient. This information does not endorse any medicine as safe, effective, or approved for treating any patient or health condition. This is only a limited summary of general information about the medicine's uses from the patient education leaflet and is not intended to be comprehensive. This limited summary does NOT include all information available about the possible uses, directions, warnings, precautions, interactions, adverse effects, or risks that may apply to this medicine. This information is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and does not replace information you receive from the healthcare provider. For a more detailed summary of information about the risks and benefits of using this medicine, please speak with your healthcare provider and review the entire patient education leaflet.