Enema – action, indications, contraindications, dosage, side effects

Proven content

Enema is an over-the-counter medicine. It is used as a laxative to soften the fecal mass and increase its volume. It is intended for adults, although it can be used in children only under the supervision of a doctor.

Enema – characteristics

Enema – action

Enema is a drug whose action is due to the presence of active substances: sodium dihydrogen phosphate and sodium phosphate. Thanks to the properties of phosphates, the preparation supports the cleansing of the large intestine. Due to rectal administration of the drug, the fecal masses increase in volume and soften, which results in immediate stimulation of defecation.

See also: What do phosphates in urine mean?

Enema – dosage

Enema is a liquid that is intended to be used in the case of colon cleansing before:

1. diagnostic tests,
2. surgical procedures,
3. childbirth.

In addition, it can be used after childbirth and after radiological examinations with the use of a contrast agent. Constipation is also an indication.

Enema should be used as directed. The drug should be administered rectally:

1. adults: 120-150 ml
2. children: 30 ml below a body weight of 14 kg, 60 ml with a body weight of 14-27 kg, 90 ml with a body weight of 28-40 kg.

Repeated infusions at short intervals should be avoided.

In dehydrated individuals, the infusion volume should be reduced so that Enema will not cause further dehydration.

In order to perform the infusion, change the cap to the cap with the applicator, remove the protective cap and insert the applicator tip into the rectum. Then press the bottle until you enter its contents. The package contains an excess of the solution, which allows not squeezing until the bottle is completely empty. After infusion, maintain the original position until you feel tense after 2 to 5 minutes.

There are three positions for infusing Enema, as shown in the picture in the original package leaflet. The first (Sim) and second (knee-elbow) positions require the help of a second person. Position 3 allows you to infuse yourself.

Increasing doses of this type of product should not be used as fatal cases related to water and ion disturbances have been reported.

See also: Eight tests worth doing at least once a year

Enema – contraindications to use

Enema must not be used in the case of:

1. hypersensitivity to any component of the preparation;
2. intestinal obstruction;
3. atresia of the anus;
4. heart disease;
5. hypertension;
6. ulcerative colitis;
7. kidney disease;
8. symptoms of appendicitis;
9. bleeding from the colon;
10. high blood pressure;
11. nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting.

The drug should not be given to children under 3 years of age and to people who are dehydrated.

Enema – warnings

Warnings for the use of Enema:

1. in some cases it may be necessary to perform check-ups,
2. a doctor should be consulted when there is no bowel movement after administration of the drug,
3. treatment should be discontinued if bleeding or increased intestinal cramps occur after using the drug,
4. Enema may only be administered in the presence of qualified personnel in the case of unconscious people with limited awareness and with heart diseases,
5. when using Enema it is necessary to drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration,
6. long-term and repeated use of Enema may lead to habituation,
7. administration of the preparation in children over 3 years of age should take place under the supervision of a doctor, and in children over 5 years of age, special care should be taken.

It is recommended to take special precautions when administering the preparation to people:

1. with impaired kidney function (Enema can only be used when the clinical benefits outweigh the risk of increased levels of phosphate in the blood, so-called hyperphosphatemia),
2. Elderly,
3. taking diuretics,
4. with ascites,
5. with changes in the mucosa in the body (ulcers, cracks),
6. with an artificial anus,
7. taking medications that may cause fluid ion disturbances.

Enema – drug interactions

Enema is a preparation that may interact with other medications, so you should inform your doctor about any recently taken medications – also over-the-counter medications.

The use of Enema with calcium channel blockers or diuretics may alter blood electrolyte levels.

The use of Enema with the simultaneous intake of lithium preparations may lead to a reduction in the level of lithium in the blood, which in turn reduces the effectiveness of lithium preparations.

Enema – side effects

Enema, like other drugs, can cause side effects. The leaflet indicates the possibility of: electrolyte disturbances (hyperphosphataemia, hypokalaemia, metabolic acidosis, hypocalcaemia, hypernatremia), irritation of the rectal mucosa, chills, blisters, stinging in the anus, anal itching, anal pain, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, flatulence, diarrhea. With frequent use, disturbances in the function of the large intestine may appear.

As Enema contains methyl parahydroxybenzoate, it may cause allergic reactions (delayed-type reactions).

Enema has no influence on the ability to drive and use machines.

See also: Embarrassing diseases of the anus

Enema and pregnancy and breastfeeding

It is recommended that you consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking Enema if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or who may be pregnant or planning to have a baby. Due to the risk of ionic disturbances, it is not recommended to take Enema during pregnancy and breastfeeding (with the exception of a single application of the drug to women before and after childbirth).

It is recommended to discard expressed food up to 24 hours after taking Enema, due to the possibility of phosphate ions passing into breast milk.

Enema – storage

Keep Enema out of the sight and reach of children. Store below 25 ° C.