Fleet enema is one drug that anyone that experiences constipation must have at all times. This medicine is classified under the class of drugs that are known as osmotic laxative (they draw water and moisture from other parts of the body into the bowel to soften stool and make it easier to pass them out). Fleet enema is an over-the-counter drug that is used to treat constipation.
When the bowel passes out stool less frequently than it does, this makes it difficult to poop. Before inability to pass out stool is termed as constipation, bowel movement must be three or fewer times a week and with difficulty. This condition can be caused by changes in routine, diet or even less intake of fiber and water. Fleet enema treats constipation by pulling water into the intestines, the water content squeezes and relaxes the gut thereby helping to empty the bowel.
It can take from a minute to 15 minutes to relax the bowel and pass out stool, it works very fast and is effective. Fleet enema can be used to cleans the bowel before going for any rectal examination. Stool can block the guts and make it difficult for the instrument to get a clear view of the rectum. To avoid conducting the exams twice, most doctors will recommend you use fleet enema to cleans the bowel.
FLEET ENEMA INGREDIENTS AND DOSAGE
A 118 ml dosage of Fleet enema contains:
- Monobasic Sodium Phosphate Monohydrate 19g
- Dibasic Sodium Phosphate Heptahydrate 7g
- Nonmedicinal ingredient is sodium methyl hydroxybenzoate
The dosage for this laxative is:
i. For adults and children over 11 years, the dosage is 1 bottle to be used in the rectum as a single dose.
ii. Children age 2 to 11 years will need one-half of an adult bottle inserted into the rectum as a single dose. You can also use a children’s version known as Pedia-Lax, this version contains the necessary information and guidelines needed.
iii. Children under the age of 2 should never use Fleet enema. You can meet a pediatrician for other options you can use to treat constipation.
HOW TO USE FLEET ENEMA BY YOURSELF
Using Fleet enema is not rocket science, it is easy to use and the product comes with a leaflet that guides on how best to use the drug. According to the product’s website, here are the guidelines on how best to use Fleet enema:
i. The first step is to remove the orange shield that protects the enema comfortip.
ii. Insert the enema tip into the rectum with a slight side to side movement, this should be done with a slight pressure but in a gentle way. Make sure the tip of the enema is pointing to the navel. It is best to do this while bending or lying down as it will help to relax the muscles around the anus.
iii. Squeeze the bottle till nearly all the contents have gone into the body. It may not be possible to insert all the liquid as the bottle contains more liquid than needed.
iv. Remove comfortip from the rectum gently and stay in the same position till you have a strong urge to pass out stool.
If you notice that it is difficult to insert the tip into the rectum or that the tip is hard, you should stop. Do not try to force the comfortip into the rectum so as not to cause injuries or bleeding especially if you have hemorrhoids. Also, if you experience pain and rectal bleeding, see your doctor immediately.
Best position for using Fleet enema are:
i. Knee-chest position: Be on your knees and lower your head. Bend your chest forward and keep the left side of your face on the surface, make sure your left arm is folded comfortably.
ii. Left-side position: Lie on your left side and keep your left knee bent. Them make sure your arms are resting comfortably.
WHEN WILL YOU POOP AFTER FLEET ENEMA
If you use the enema properly, you should have a strong urge to pass out stool usually in a bout a minute to 5 minutes. Sometimes may need to find out why your poop smell sweet. However, you should know that our bodies are different so you should not be surprised or worried if you do not feel any urge after 5 minutes. You can give your body more time like about 25 minutes. If you still do not poop after 30 minutes, you should see a doctor.
HOW LONG DO YOU POOP AFTER A FLEET ENEMA
You may think that after taking Fleet enema, you will poop all day long. It is not bad to want to know what to expect as it will give you a knowledge of how your day will be. General guidelines or instructions stated that it will take at least 5 minutes or in extreme cases 15 minutes for the enema to start working and stooling will last between 30 and 60 minutes. This may not work for everyone as our bodies differ so we may not get the exact result. Some people will only need one trip to the toilet and they are done whereas others may need more trips. You should however stay close to a toilet until you are comfortable.
HOW LONG SHOULD YOU HOLD FLEET ENEMA IN BEFORE YOU USE THE TOILET
Generally, you should hold in Fleet enema in for at least two minutes, this time will give the body enough time to work on the guts and make bowel movements very easy. You should not bring out the liquid till after 5 minutes, give the active ingredients more time to work.
CAN YOU USE TWO DOSES OF FLEET ENEMA IN A ROW
If after using Fleet enema you did not pass out stool, you should never use more than 1 dose in 24 hours. You can use Fleet enema two days in a row, this means you must be sure that the dosage is separated by 24 hours. See your healthcare provider if Fleet enema does not work after a dose.
FLEET ENEMA INSTRUCTIONS AND TIPS
i. Contact your doctor before using any Fleet enema especially if you are suing it for a child above the age of 2 but younger than 12.
ii. If you have nausea, vomiting, stomach pain or changes in your stool, contact your doctor before using Fleet enema.
iii. Drink enough water to hydrate your body. Remember that the drug will pull water from other parts of your body into the intestines. If you do not have enough water in your body, there may be dehydration.
iv. Follow the instruction on how to use Fleet enema and use the right amount for both adults and children.
v. After inserting enema into the rectum, stay in the position till you feel the urge to use the toilet, this may take up to 5 minutes. If you do not feel any urge, you can go to the toilet and try to have a bowel movement.
vi. Fleet enema should only be used for the rectum, do not swallow or use in other parts of the body. If you swallow the liquid or get it inside other sensitive parts of the body, see a doctor immediately.
vii. Check with your doctor if you can use Fleet enema while pregnant although there is no evidence of risk to the unborn child.
PROS AND CONS OF FLEET ENEMA
The pros of using Fleet enema are:
i. It is a good option for people who do not like to take oral drugs for constipation.
ii. It takes about 1 to 15 minutes to treat constipation.
iii. There is a version for adults and children, this makes it easier to know the right dosage to use for anyone.
iv. Fleet enema is an over-the-counter drug, you do not need to prescription from a doctor to use it unless there is a need for you to contact your health provider.
The cons of using Fleet enema are:
i. Many people may find it difficult to use this drug properly.
ii. It can be harmful if two doses are used within 24 hours.
iii. Fleet enema may not be a good over-the-counter drug for people with certain health conditions like kidney or heart disease and sodium problems because this product contains sodium.
SIDE EFFECTS OF FLEET ENEMA
Just like any drug, there will be side effects. These effects are temporary and will dissolve as your body gets used to the drug. Common side effects are:
- Diarrhea
- Stomach pain
- Anal discomfort
- Dehydration
Report to your doctor if you have the following side effects:
- Itching
- Swelling of the face, tongue, lips and throat
- Rashes on the skin
- Hives
WHAT ARE THE RISKS AND WARNINGS FOR FLEET ENEMA
Fleet enema can cause serious risk for people with certain health conditions like:
- Dehydration
- History of kidney problems
- Taking water pills (diuretics)
- History of heart problems
Stop using Fleet enema if you experience:
- Bleeding from your anus
- No bowel movement after using two doses.
CONCLUSION
Fleet enema is a laxative that is used to draw and retain water in the intestines so as to make passing out stool faster and easier. It is also used to help empty the bowel before number of procedures, such as a colonoscopy. This drug is only administered rectally and you should expect results within 5 minutes and 15 minutes in extreme cases.
Follow the instructions properly so as to get results and consult your doctor if you have any existing health conditions.