saline laxative
Saline enema (Fleet Enema) is an over-the-counter (OTC) enema that's used to relieve constipation in children and adults. It's an osmotic laxative that works to help make your stool softer so it's easier to pass. This medication is inserted into the rectum, and it works very fast (usually within 2 to 15 minutes) to cause a bowel movement. Side effects can include stomach pain and discomfort of the rectal area. There are different types of "Fleet" enemas, including saline, mineral oil, and bisacodyl. But this page refers only to saline enemas.
What is Saline enema (Fleet Enema)?
What is Saline enema (Fleet Enema) used for?
- Occasional constipation
How Saline enema (Fleet Enema) works
Saline enema (Fleet Enema) is a type of osmotic laxative called a saline laxative. It contains salt, which pulls water into your intestines (gut). This helps make your stool softer and easier to pass. It also encourages gut movement to help empty your bowels.
Drug facts
Side effects of Saline enema (Fleet Enema)
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
- Nausea
- Stomach pain
- Bloating
- Rectal discomfort, stinging, or blistering
- Chills
Saline enema (Fleet Enema) serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Dehydration: feeling thirsty, dizziness, vomiting, urinating less than usual
- Rectal bleeding (blood that comes from your anus): blood on the toilet paper when you wipe, red-colored water in the toilet, blood mixed in with or on the outside of your stool
- No bowel movement 30 minutes after using the medication
The following Saline enema (Fleet Enema) side effects have also been reported
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
- Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Fast or irregular heartbeat
- Kidney injury—decrease in the amount of urine, swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet
- Rectal pain, burning, or bleeding after use
- Seizures
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
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Pros and cons of Saline enema (Fleet Enema)
Pros
- Works within 2 to 15 minutes to relieve constipation
- Good option for people who have a hard time taking medications by mouth
- Available over the counter, so you don't need a prescription
- Children's version of saline enema available (under brand name Pedia-Lax)
Cons
- Might be difficult for some people to use properly
- Not a good option for people on a low-salt or low-sodium diet
- Not a good option for people with kidney or heart problems since it contains sodium
- Can be harmful if you use more than one dose within a 24-hour period
Pharmacist tips for Saline enema (Fleet Enema)
- Since there are different types of "Fleet" enemas (e.g., saline, mineral oil, bisacodyl), be sure to check the active ingredient on the package. Ask your pharmacist if you're not sure whether the enema you have is saline enema (Fleet Enema).
- Before you use saline enema (Fleet Enema), speak to your primary care provider (PCP) if you have stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting or if you've noticed a sudden change in your bowel patterns for more than 2 weeks. Your PCP can make sure this medication is appropriate for you.
- Also check with your PCP whether saline enema (Fleet Enema) is safe for you if you're on a low-salt diet or if you have heart or kidney problems. Since saline enema (Fleet Enema) contains salt, it might not be the best option for you.
- Carefully follow the instructions on the package. This makes sure you're using saline enema (Fleet Enema) properly and that you're getting the right amount of medication. For most products, it's normal if there's some liquid left in the bottle after you use it.
- Be sure to drink plenty of fluids before you use saline enema (Fleet Enema). Drinking enough water helps with constipation. It also helps prevent dehydration from using saline enema (Fleet Enema); you might lose extra fluids when the medication works and you could become dehydrated.
- After giving the enema, try to stay in the same position until you feel a strong urge to go to the bathroom. This usually happens in 2 to 5 minutes, so you might want to stay near a toilet. If you don't feel an urge within 5 minutes, still go to the bathroom and try to have a bowel movement.
- Stop using saline enema (Fleet Enema) and call your PCP if you need to use it for longer than 3 days or if you notice any blood in your stool. Also call them if you don't have a bowel movement within 30 minutes of using the enema.
- The enema is for rectal use only and should never be swallowed. Contact a Poison Control Center right away at 1-800-222-1222 if someone accidentally swallows the enema.
More on Saline enema (Fleet Enema) tips
Common questions about Saline Laxative
Saline Laxative typically causes you to have a bowel movement in 2 to 15 minutes. Ask your primary care provider for advice if you don't have a bowel movement after 30 minutes of inserting the enema.
When you insert Saline Laxative, lie on your left side with your right knee bent up towards your chest. Another option is to kneel on your knees with your chest forward and the left side of your face resting on a surface. Follow the instructions on the package; there are typically pictures that show you which body positions to be in to insert the enema properly.
Insert the tip of the Saline Laxative bottle into your rectum. The tip is about a few inches long. To make it easier to insert, some products already come lubricated. If not, you can purchase a lubricant (e.g., petroleum jelly) separately. Either apply the lubricant to your anus or coat the tip of the bottle with lubricant before inserting. Stop sliding the tip into the rectum if it's hard to insert; don't force it in because this could injure your rectum. Once the tip is inserted, squeeze the fluid into your rectum. Try to hold the fluid in your rectum for a few minutes before you go to the toilet to release it.
No. Using more than one enema in 24 hours can cause harm (e.g., severe dehydration). You should contact your primary care provider if you don't have a bowel movement within 30 minutes of using Saline Laxative. They might ask you questions to see whether your stool is impacted (stuck in your bowels) or whether your constipation is due to another health condition. In general, you can use one enema per day for three days in a row. Just make sure they're separated by at least 24 hours.
Saline Laxative is generally safe to use for most people when it's used as directed on the product labeling. But you should ask your primary care provider (PCP) before you use Saline Laxative if you've noticed a sudden change in your bowel habits that have lasted for over 2 weeks. Your PCP will want to rule out more serious medical conditions. You should also ask a healthcare professional before you use Saline Laxative if you're on a low-salt diet or if you have kidney or heart problems. Since Saline Laxative contains salt, using the enema might raise the risk of worsening these medical conditions.
While Saline Laxative isn't classified as a stool softener, it can help soften your stool by drawing water into your gut. This can make it easier to have a bowel movement.
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Risks and warnings for Saline enema (Fleet Enema)
Saline enema (Fleet Enema) 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.
Contains sodium
- Risk factors: History of kidney or heart problems | Following a low-salt diet
Saline enema (Fleet Enema) is an osmotic laxative that's made from salt (sodium). This can be an issue if you have certain kidney or heart conditions or if you need to watch your salt intake. Speak with your primary care provider (PCP) or pharmacist before you use saline enema (Fleet Enema) if you have kidney or heart problems or if you're on a low-salt diet. Ask them if this medication is safe for you to use.
Dehydration and abnormal electrolyte levels with more than recommended doses per day
- Risk factors: Young children | Older than 55 years | Dehydrated (low fluid levels in the body) | History of kidney or gut problems | Taking water pills (diuretics)
Don't use more than the recommended dose of saline enema (Fleet Enema) per day. Using more than the recommended dose of the medication can be harmful. Although rare, this can cause severe dehydration and changes in the electrolyte levels in the blood, which can lead to serious and sometimes life-threatening harm to the kidneys and heart.
Saline enema (Fleet Enema) dosage
Enema| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4.5 ounces | 1 enema | $3.04 | $3.04 |
Typical dosage for Saline enema (Fleet Enema)
Different manufacturers make different sizes of saline enema (Fleet Enema), which are meant for different age groups. Make sure to check the label, and follow the instructions carefully.
General dosing is listed below.
- Adults and children age 12 and older: The typical dose is the contents of one adult bottle inserted into the rectum as a single dose.
- Children age 5 to 11 years: Use the children's version of saline enema (e.g., Pedia-Lax brand name), which is safer for this age group. The typical dose is the contents of one children's bottle inserted into the rectum as a single dose.
- Children age 2 to 4 years: Use the children's version of saline enema (e.g., Pedia-Lax brand name), which is safer for this age group. The typical dose is the contents of one-half of a children's bottle inserted into the rectum as a single dose.
- Children under 2 years of age: Don't use. Ask your child's pediatrician about other options to relieve constipation.
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