Skip to navigation Skip to content

Fleet Enema

Share

About this Medication
  • Brand Name: Fleet Enema (U.S. and Canada)
  • Chemical Name: sodium phosphate
  • Usage in MS: Constipation
  • Generic Available: No

This medication is available without a prescription.


Description

Sodium phosphate enemas, available over-the-counter, are used to provide short-term relief for treating constipation and bowel function.

Rectal enemas are to be used to provide short-term relief only, unless otherwise directed by the nurse or physician who is helping you to manage your bowel symptoms. A regimen that includes a healthy diet containing roughage (whole grain breads and cereals, bran, fruit, and green, leafy vegetables), six to eight full glasses of liquids each day, and some form of daily exercise is most important in stimulating healthy bowel function.

If your physician has recommended this rectal laxative for management of constipation, follow his or her recommendations for its use. If you are treating yourself for constipation, follow the directions on the package insert.

Results usually occur within two to five minutes. Be sure to consult your physician if you notice rectal bleeding, blistering, pain, burning, itching, or other signs of irritation that were not present before you began using a sodium phosphate enema.

Precautions

Do not use any type of laxative if you have signs of appendicitis or inflamed bowel (e.g., stomach or lower abdominal pain, cramping, bloating, soreness, nausea or vomiting). Check with your physician as soon as possible.

Do not use any laxative for more than one week unless you have been told to do so by your physician. Many people tend to overuse laxatives, which often leads to dependence on the laxative action to produce a bowel movement. Discuss the use of laxatives with your health care professional in order to ensure that the laxative is used effectively as part of a comprehensive, healthy bowel management regimen.

If you are pregnant, discuss with your physician the most appropriate type of laxative for you to use.

Click here to read more about sodium phosphate enemas,

 



Share


© 2024 The National Multiple Sclerosis Society is a tax exempt 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. Its Identification Number (EIN) is 13-5661935.