Using Fleet Enema correctly is very important for safety and effectiveness. Follow these steps:

1. Wash your hands.
   
   
2. Remove the cap from the tip of the bottle.
   
   
3. Lie on your left side with your knees bent, or kneel with your head down and buttocks raised (as shown on the box).
   
   
4. Gently insert the tip into the rectum — about 2 inches for adults.
   
   
5. Slowly squeeze the bottle to push the liquid inside.
   
   
6. Remove the bottle and stay in position for a few minutes.
   
   
7. You should feel the urge to go to the toilet within 5 to 30 minutes.
   
   
8. Wash your hands again after use.
   
   

Always read the instructions that come with the product, and do not reuse the bottle.

Fleet Enema contains sodium phosphate, which is a type of saline laxative. When you insert it into the rectum, the liquid draws water into the bowel. This extra water helps:

• Soften the stool
  
  
• Stimulate the bowel muscles
  
  
• Cause a natural bowel movement
  
  

As the bowel fills with water, it creates pressure that makes the body want to pass stool. That’s why it works so quickly.

It is not absorbed much into the bloodstream, so it mostly works in the lower bowel area.

Fleet Enema is generally safe when used as directed. But like all medicines, it can have side effects.

Common Side Effects:

• Mild stomach cramps
  
  
• Gas or bloating
  
  
• Feeling like you urgently need to use the bathroom
  
  

Less Common but Serious Side Effects:

• Dizziness or fainting
  
  
• Irregular heartbeat
  
  
• Muscle weakness
  
  
• Confusion
  
  
• Dehydration
  
  
• Rectal bleeding
  
  

These serious side effects are rare and usually happen if you use too much or use it too often.

Stop using and seek medical help if you:

• Do not have a bowel movement within 30 minutes
  
  
• Feel very weak, lightheaded, or confused
  
  
• See blood in the stool
  
  

Fleet Enema is not for everyone. Before using it, keep these warnings in mind:

• Do not use if you have kidney problems unless your doctor says it’s safe.
  
  
• Avoid if you have heart disease, low salt levels, or dehydration.
  
  
• Do not use if you are already taking phosphate-containing medicines or supplements.
  
  
• Do not give to children under 2 years old without a doctor’s approval.
  
  
• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before using it.
  
  
• Using too many enemas can lead to dependence, meaning your body won’t go on its own.
  
  

Always follow the instructions and use only when truly needed.

Fleet Enema usually has few interactions because it is used rectally and acts locally. However, if used too often, it may affect:

• Water and salt balance in the body
  
  
• Heart medicines (like digoxin)
  
  
• Diuretics (water pills)
  
  
• Blood pressure medicines
  
  

If you take regular medicines, especially for heart, kidneys, or high blood pressure, talk to your doctor before using a Fleet Enema.

Here’s a general guide for dosage:

• Adults (12 years and older): One bottle (118 mL) once a day if needed.
  
  
• Children (2 to 11 years): Use the children’s formula, and follow the dosing on the label.
  
  
• Do not use more than 1 enema per day, and do not use for more than 3 days in a row.
  
  

If you have not had a bowel movement after using the enema, do not take a second one right away. Wait and speak to a doctor.

Do not increase the dose or use more often than recommended.

Fleet Enema is an over-the-counter (OTC) medicine. That means:

• You don’t need a prescription to buy it.
  
  
• You can find it in most pharmacies, supermarkets, and online stores.
  
  
• There are adult and children’s versions — make sure to choose the correct one.
  
  

Even though it’s available without a prescription, you should still talk to a doctor if:

• You are using it often
  
  
• You have chronic (long-term) constipation
  
  
• You have a health condition like kidney disease, heart problems, or high blood pressure
  
  

Doctors may recommend enemas for specific medical reasons, such as preparing for surgery or diagnostic tests.

• What is Fleet Enema used for?
  It is used for the relief of occasional constipation and for bowel cleansing before medical procedures (such as colonoscopy, surgery, or childbirth).

• What are the brand names?

  • Fleet® Enema

  • Fleet® Saline Enema

  • Pedia-Lax® Enema (pediatric version)

• What is the active ingredient?
  Sodium phosphate (dibasic and monobasic) — a saline laxative.

• How does Fleet Enema work?

  • It draws water into the colon by osmotic action.

  • This softens stool and stimulates bowel movement, usually within 1 to 5 minutes.

• What type of medication is it?
  A rectal saline laxative.

• How is Fleet Enema administered?

  • Rectally, using a prefilled, single-use bottle.

  • Lie on your left side with knees bent or assume a knee-chest position.

  • Gently insert the lubricated nozzle tip into the rectum.

  • Squeeze the bottle slowly to release the solution.

  • Retain the liquid for 2–5 minutes or as long as possible, then evacuate.

• What are the available strengths and forms?

  • Adult Fleet Enema: 118 mL (containing about 19 g sodium phosphate).

  • Pediatric Fleet Enema: 59 mL (half strength).

• How long does it take to work?

  • Usually produces a bowel movement within 2–15 minutes after use.

• What are the common side effects?

  • Mild abdominal cramping

  • Rectal irritation

  • Bloating or gas

  • Urgent bowel movement

• Are there serious side effects?
  Rare, but possible:

  • Dehydration or electrolyte imbalance (especially high phosphate or low calcium levels)

  • Kidney problems

  • Severe abdominal pain, vomiting, or blood in stool

  • Allergic reaction (rash, swelling, difficulty breathing)

• Who should not use Fleet Enema?

  • People with kidney disease or heart failure

  • Those with dehydration or electrolyte disturbances

  • Individuals with intestinal obstruction, perforation, or inflammatory bowel disease

  • Children under 2 years (use pediatric version for ages 2–11 only under medical guidance)

• Can it be used during pregnancy?
  Use only if recommended by a doctor — may cause dehydration or electrolyte shifts if overused.

• Can it be used while breastfeeding?
  Generally considered safe when used occasionally, but discuss with a healthcare provider.

• Does Fleet Enema interact with other medications?

  • May affect absorption of oral drugs taken close to the time of use.

  • Avoid combining with other sodium phosphate products or diuretics.

• How should I store Fleet Enema?

  • Store at room temperature (20 °C–25 °C / 68 °F–77 °F).

  • Keep tightly closed and out of reach of children.

  • Do not reuse or share bottles.

• Is there a generic available?
  Yes — sodium phosphate enemas are available from several manufacturers.

• Where can I get it?
  Sold over-the-counter (OTC) in pharmacies and supermarkets.