Docusate sodium mini enema, also known as Enemeez (a brand name), is an over-the-counter (OTC) rectal medication used to treat occasional constipation. It's a stool softener that works by drawing water and fat into the stool, making it softer and easier to pass. This medication can be used in people ages 2 and older, up to 3 times daily (instructions depend on the product). It usually works within 15 minutes. Most people experience little to no side effects while using Enemeez (docusate) as directed.
Occasional constipation
Enemeez (docusate) is a stool softener. It pulls water and fat into your stool, making it softer. This helps the stool move through your gut, making it easier to empty your bowels to relieve constipation.
Source: DailyMed
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
Available as an OTC medication
Works within 2 to 15 minutes to relieve constipation
Generally well tolerated
Might be difficult for some people to use
Typically only be used short term
Not for severe or chronic constipation
Tell your care team if you have nausea or vomiting before using Enemeez (docusate). These symptoms could be a sign of a more serious issue. They can also cause dehydration, which might worsen constipation.
If you've been using Enemeez (docusate) for more than a week, speak with your care team. Using the medication longer than directed can make your body rely on it to have bowel movements.
If you have stomach pain or a sudden change in your bowel movements that last for more than 2 weeks before using Enemeez (docusate), talk to your HCP. They might need to rule out any serious medical conditions.
Don't use mineral oil along with Enemeez (docusate). Combining them can make your body absorb too much mineral oil, raising your risk for side effects.
If you experience rectal bleeding or don’t have a bowel movement after using Enemeez (docusate), stop using it and let your care team know. This could be a sign of a serious problem.
Store Enemeez (docusate) up and away, out of children's reach and sight to prevent accidental swallowing. If you think a child might have swallowed Enemeez (docusate), call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 right away.
Twist off and remove the tip from the tube. Then place a few drops of water or the product on the shaft of the applicator and into the rectum to make insertion easier and more comfortable.
Lie on your left side with your knees bent. You can also try other positions, like sitting on the toilet or kneeling with your left arm folded comfortably and lowering your head and chest until the side of your face is resting on a surface.
With steady pressure, gently insert the tube into the rectum. Be careful to avoid damage to the rectal wall.
Squeeze the applicator to empty all of the medication into your rectum. Keep squeezing as you remove it. Throw away the empty applicator in regular trash.
Stay in the same position until you feel a strong urge to go to the bathroom. This usually happens in 2 to 15 minutes, so you might want to stay near a toilet.
Enemeez (docusate) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Enemeez (docusate) should only be used rectally. Don't take this medication by mouth, and never use it in your eyes, nose, or ears. If you think that your child might have accidentally swallowed this medication, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 right away.
Don't use mineral oil with Enemeez (docusate) because it can cause your body to absorb more mineral oil, raising your risk of serious side effects. Consider letting your primary care provider or pharmacist know about all the medications you're taking, including OTC products and supplements, before starting Enemeez (docusate). Talk with your care team if you have any questions about potential interactions.
There are different manufacturers of docusate sodium enema, and the strength, dose, and age recommendations can vary depending on the product. Always read the box for specific instructions.
Enemeez: Each enema contains 283 mg of docusate sodium.
Adults and children 12 years and older: Insert and squeeze 1 enema into the rectum 1 to 3 times a day.
Children under 12 years: Ask your child's pediatrician.
Enemeez Kids: Each enema contains 100 mg of docusate sodium.
Children 2 to 12 years: Insert and squeeze 1 enema into the rectum once a day.
Children under 2 years: Ask your child's pediatrician.
Currently have stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting
Using longer than 1 week unless directed by a healthcare professional
Occasional constipation and irregular bowel movements
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