Fleet Laxative Saline Enema: A Step-By-Step Guide To Proper Usage

how to use fleet laxative saline enema

Fleet Enema is a saline laxative that provides quick relief from constipation, usually within 1 to 15 minutes. It is a popular over-the-counter medication that is easy to use and safe for adults and children aged 12 and above. The product comes with clear instructions and is designed for rectal use only. It is important to follow the recommended dosage and not exceed more than one enema in a 24-hour period. Before using the Fleet Enema, make sure to wash your hands and get into a comfortable position, either lying on your left side with your knee bent or kneeling forward. Gently insert the lubricated tip of the enema into the rectum and squeeze the bottle until the desired amount of medication is inside. Stay in this position for a few minutes until you feel the urge to have a bowel movement.

Characteristics Values
Purpose Relief from occasional constipation
Active Ingredient Sodium Phosphate
Age Limit Not for children under 2 years old
Dosage One bottle per 24 hours
Administration Rectal use only
Side Effects Mild abdominal discomfort, gas, diarrhoea, dehydration, kidney problems
Precautions Drink plenty of clear liquids, do not use more than once in 24 hours, do not use for more than 3 days without medical advice
Body Position Lie on left side with right knee bent, or kneel with head and chest lowered

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How to use a Fleet enema on yourself

A Fleet enema is a saline laxative that provides relief from constipation within 1 to 15 minutes. It is for rectal use only and should be used as per the instructions on the package. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use a Fleet enema on yourself:

Step 1: Preparation

  • Drink plenty of fluids before using the Fleet enema. The medication will draw water into your intestines, which can lead to dehydration.
  • Wash your hands before and after using the enema.
  • Remove the protective shield from the enema tip. Some products come pre-lubricated for easy insertion. If not, apply a water-soluble lubricant (e.g. petroleum jelly) to your anus or coat the tip of the bottle with lubricant.

Step 2: Positioning

Lie on your left side with your right knee bent towards your chest. Alternatively, you may kneel with your chest forward and the left side of your face resting on a surface.

Step 3: Insertion

With steady pressure, gently insert the enema tip into your rectum with a slight side-to-side movement, pointing the tip towards your navel. Do not force the tip into the rectum to avoid causing damage.

Step 4: Administration

  • Squeeze the bottle gently until the recommended amount of medication is inside your rectum. You do not need to empty the bottle completely as it contains more liquid than needed.
  • Remove the bottle tip from the rectum.

Step 5: Wait

Stay in the same position for 1 to 5 minutes until you feel a strong urge to have a bowel movement. This usually happens within 2 to 5 minutes, so it is advisable to stay near a toilet. If you don't feel the urge within 5 minutes, still go to the bathroom and try to have a bowel movement.

Important considerations:

  • Do not use more than one dose of the Fleet enema in a 24-hour period.
  • Do not use the Fleet enema for more than 3 consecutive days unless directed by your healthcare provider.
  • Contact your healthcare provider if you experience rectal bleeding, no bowel movement after 30 minutes of using the medication, or any other side effects.
  • Keep out of reach of children. If accidentally swallowed, contact a poison control centre immediately.
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How to administer a Fleet enema to a child

Note: Fleet enemas should not be used on children younger than 2 years of age. For children between 3 and 11 years old, use a children's enema. Children 12 years or older may use the adult enema.

Step 1: Prepare the enema

  • Wash your hands before and after preparing the enema.
  • Remove the protective cover from the enema tip.

Step 2: Help the child get into a comfortable position

  • The child should lie on their left side with their right knee pulled up to their chest.
  • Alternatively, they can kneel and rest the left side of their face on the floor.

Step 3: Insert the enema tip

  • Gently and slowly insert the enema tip into the child's rectum.
  • Use a side-to-side motion as you insert.
  • It may help to push down as if they are having a bowel movement.
  • Do not force the tip into the rectum as this may cause damage.

Step 4: Squeeze the bottle

  • Squeeze the bottle to push the liquid into the rectum.
  • You do not need to squeeze all of the liquid into the rectum; stop when you feel a sense of fullness.

Step 5: Wait

  • The child should stay in the same position until they feel the urge to have a bowel movement.
  • This usually takes 1 to 5 minutes.
  • If they do not feel the urge within 5 minutes, they should try to have a bowel movement.
  • Do not use another enema if there is no bowel movement within 5 minutes.
  • Contact your healthcare provider for instructions if this happens.

Safety Precautions:

  • Ask your healthcare provider how often to administer enemas.
  • Do not use more than 1 enema in 24 hours.
  • Do not use enemas for longer than 3 days unless directed by your healthcare provider.
  • Too many enemas can cause problems with calcium levels, electrolyte imbalances, and rectal irritation.
  • They can also cause the body to become dependent on enemas to have bowel movements.
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How to use a Fleet suppository

Fleet suppositories are used to treat occasional constipation. They work by increasing the amount of water in the intestine, softening the stool and making it easier to pass.

Before you start, wash your hands and remove the foil wrapping from the suppository. Wet the tip of the suppository with cold water to make it easier to insert.

Positioning: Lie on your side with your lower leg straightened out and your upper leg bent forward towards your stomach. Lift your upper buttock to expose the rectal area.

Insertion: Apply gentle pressure to insert the suppository completely into the rectum. Hold your buttocks together for a few seconds. Remain lying down for about 15 minutes to avoid having the suppository come out.

Dosage: For adults and children over 6 years, the recommended dosage is one suppository per 24 hours. For children between 2 and 6 years, use Pedia-Lax Liquid Glycerin Suppositories. For children under 2 years, ask a doctor.

Precautions: Do not use more often than directed. Do not take this medication by mouth. Do not share this medication with others. Do not use any other laxatives with this medication. Drink fluids as directed to prevent dehydration. See your doctor right away if you do not have a bowel movement within 1 hour of using this medication.

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How to use a Fleet liquid suppository

Fleet Liquid Glycerin Suppositories are used to relieve occasional constipation in adults and children aged six and above. The suppository is inserted rectally and works by attracting water into the stool to promote a bowel movement within 15 minutes to one hour.

  • Prepare the suppository: Remove the suppository from its packaging. If it is too soft to insert, chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes or run cold water over it. Do not use petroleum jelly or mineral oil as this may affect the effectiveness of the product.
  • Wash your hands: It is important to maintain good hygiene, so make sure to wash your hands before and after using the suppository.
  • Lie down in a comfortable position: Lie on your left side with your right knee bent and slightly raised towards your chest. This position will make it easier to insert the suppository.
  • Insert the suppository: Gently insert the suppository well into the rectum, pointed end first. If you are administering the suppository to a child, ask them to lie on their side with the lower leg straightened and the upper leg bent towards the stomach. Hold their buttocks together for a few seconds after insertion.
  • Stay in position: Remain in the same position for at least 15 to 20 minutes if possible. This will help prevent the suppository from coming out and allow it to start working.
  • Expect a bowel movement: The suppository usually produces a bowel movement within 15 minutes to one hour. It is normal to experience a burning sensation or discomfort during this time.
  • Clean up: Wash your hands and dispose of any used packaging or applicators.

It is important to note that Fleet Liquid Suppositories are for rectal use only and should not be used more than once daily unless directed by a doctor. If you experience any rectal bleeding or do not have a bowel movement after using the product, consult a doctor. Keep out of reach of children. If swallowed, seek immediate medical attention.

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When to use a Fleet enema

A Fleet enema is a saline laxative that provides relief from constipation within minutes. It is a liquid medicine used to help you have a bowel movement. It is also used to clean out your bowel before a procedure or surgery.

Fleet enemas are ideal for relieving occasional constipation. You may be constipated if you have three or fewer bowel movements in a week, and your stools are hard, dry, and difficult to pass.

Fleet enemas are also used for bowel cleansing before a rectal examination, such as a colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy. If you are using a Fleet enema for this purpose, your doctor will tell you how long before the procedure or surgery you should use the product.

If you are experiencing constipation, it is recommended to first try milder products such as stool softeners or bulk-forming laxatives. Consult your doctor or pharmacist about other treatment options before using a Fleet enema.

It is important to note that Fleet enemas are not suitable for children under 2 years of age. For children between 2 and 11 years old, a different enema product designed for children should be used.

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Frequently asked questions

The saline laxative pulls water into your intestines, softening the stool and encouraging movement to help empty your bowels.

The laxative usually works within 1 to 15 minutes of administering the enema.

It is recommended to use no more than one enema in a 24-hour period. It should not be used for more than 3 days unless directed by a doctor.

For adults and children aged 12 and over, the recommended dosage is one bottle per 24 hours. For children between 2 and 11 years of age, use the Pedia-Lax Enema. Do not use on children under 2 years of age.

Lie on your left side with your right knee bent towards your chest, or kneel with your chest forward and the left side of your face resting on a surface.

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