Fleet Laxative: Safe Usage Instructions

Fleet Enema is a saline laxative that provides relief from constipation within minutes. It is available at drugstores without a prescription, although a healthcare provider will advise on the type and frequency of use. It is important to follow the directions on the product package and to only use the enema in your rectum. The general steps to follow include choosing a comfortable position, inserting the tip into your rectum, and squeezing the bottle to push the liquid into your rectum. It is recommended to stay in the same position until you feel the urge to have a bowel movement, which usually takes 1 to 5 minutes. It is important to note that you should not use more than one enema in a 24-hour period and not for longer than 3 days without medical advice.

Choose a comfortable position

When using a Fleet enema, it is important to choose a comfortable position to ensure the process is as easy and relaxed as possible. Here are some suggestions for comfortable positions to try:

Lying on your side: This position involves lying on your left side with your right knee pulled up towards your chest. This position can help to relax the muscles and make insertion of the enema tip easier. You can gently push down as if you are having a bowel movement, which can further assist in relaxing the muscles. Remember to always insert the tip gently and slowly, using a side-to-side motion.

Kneeling: Another option is to kneel down and rest the left side of your face on the floor. This position may be more comfortable for some people, as it can provide a sense of stability and ease during the process. As with the previous position, remember to insert the tip carefully and slowly to avoid any potential discomfort or damage.

Maintaining comfort: It is important to stay in the chosen position for 1 to 5 minutes after inserting the enema or until you feel the urge to have a bowel movement. If you do not feel the urge within 5 minutes, try to have a bowel movement. Remember, it is recommended to use no more than one enema in a 24-hour period.

By choosing a comfortable position that works best for you, you can make the process of using a Fleet enema more relaxed and effective. Remember to always follow the directions provided with the enema and consult your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns.

Insert the tip into your rectum

To insert the tip of the Fleet enema into your rectum, start by choosing a comfortable position. You can either lie on your left side with your right knee pulled up to your chest, or kneel and place the left side of your face on the floor.

Remove the plastic cover from the tip of the enema before insertion. Gently and slowly insert the tip into your rectum, using a side-to-side motion. It may be helpful to push down as if you are having a bowel movement, as this can relax the muscles and make insertion easier. Do not force the tip into your rectum, as this may cause damage.

The downward-facing position may be particularly helpful when inserting the tip, as this position allows for a downward slope that encourages movement in the intestines, causing the muscles around the anus to relax.

Once the tip is inserted, gently squeeze the bottle to push the liquid into your rectum. You do not need to squeeze all of the liquid into your rectum; simply squeeze until you feel a sense of fullness.

Squeeze the bottle

Once you have chosen a comfortable position, you can begin to squeeze the bottle. The amount of liquid you need to squeeze into your rectum will vary from person to person, but the general guidance is to squeeze until you feel a sense of fullness in that area. Do not force the liquid into your rectum as this may cause damage.

The amount of liquid you need to use will depend on your body and how constipated you are. You may not need to use the entire contents of the bottle. It is important to follow the instructions on the box and not to use more than one enema in 24 hours.

If you are using the Fleet Enema to clean your bowel before surgery, you will need to use one bottle of medicine 3 to 5 hours before the procedure.

For children aged 2 to 11 years, use a Pedia-Lax Enema. Do not use a Fleet Enema on children younger than 2 years old.

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, ask a health professional before using a Fleet Enema.

Stay in position

Staying in position is an important step in using a Fleet laxative. After inserting the suppository or enema, you should remain in the same position for a short period. This will ensure that the medication has time to work effectively.

For the Fleet Laxative Suppository, it is recommended that you stay in position for 15 to 20 minutes if possible, or until you feel a strong urge to have a bowel movement. This may take up to an hour, but it is important to remain still during this time.

For the Fleet Enema, the instructions vary slightly depending on the type of enema and your individual needs. The saline enema, for example, usually requires you to stay in position for 1 to 5 minutes, while the glycerin suppository typically works within 15 minutes to an hour. It is important to follow the specific instructions provided with your chosen Fleet product and to remain in position until you feel the urge to have a bowel movement.

During this time, it is recommended that you stay near a toilet as you may need to use it multiple times after a dose of the saline enema. It is also important to note that you should not use another enema if you do not have a bowel movement within the recommended time frame. Instead, try to have a bowel movement without the aid of another enema, and contact your healthcare provider for further instructions if needed.

Drink extra water

Drinking extra water is an important part of using a Fleet enema. Fleet enemas are saline laxatives that work by increasing the water in the intestine to hydrate and soften the stool, making it easier to pass. As such, it is important to drink extra water to prevent dehydration.

Your healthcare provider will instruct you on how much extra water to drink. It is important to follow their instructions, especially if you have kidney or heart problems, or if you are on a low-sodium diet. They will help you balance your fluid levels to ensure you are properly hydrated.

Drinking plenty of water is also a natural way to treat constipation. It is recommended to drink four to six 8-ounce glasses of water daily to help treat constipation. This is in addition to eating foods high in fibre and exercising regularly.

Water is not the only liquid you can drink to stay hydrated. You can also drink other fluids, such as juice or tea, to help you stay hydrated. However, it is important to note that some liquids, such as coffee and alcohol, can have a diuretic effect, which means they can increase urine production and cause you to lose more water than you take in. So, while you can drink these liquids, they should not be your primary source of hydration.

Frequently asked questions