Laxatives
Sodium phosphate enema
(Fleet's ®)
Sodium phosphate (Fleet’s ®) enemas are over-the-counter laxatives that are used to treat constipation. If stool sits in your body for too long, it can get very hard to pass. This is when enemas can be helpful. Enemas (like Fleet’s®) add fluid to flush out the stool. Enemas can be uncomfortable, but they help if you are in a bind.
Before trying this option, ask your care team if enemas are safe for you.
How do I take this medicine?
Before trying this option, ask your care team if enemas are safe for you. If your white blood cells (infection fighting cells) are very low, your doctor may tell you it isn’t safe to use an enema. Also - if you have an ostomy, you should not use an enema.
Enemas are taken rectally. Here are the steps:
Step 1
Wash your hands with soap and warm water.
Step 2
Open the packaging to the enema kit.
Step 3
Rub a water-based lubricant (like Astroglide or K-Y) over the tip (this helps it go in smoother).
Step 4
Get into a comfortable position. You have a few options:
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Lie on your side with one knee bent toward your chest, or
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Stand with one leg up on a chair
Step 5
Gently insert the tip of the enema into your rectum, pointing the tip up toward your belly button.
Step 6
Squeeze the bottle. Don’t worry, you won’t need to empty the bottle completely. Look at the package instructions to tell you how much to empty.
Step 7
Remove the bottle tip from your rectum. Try to stay in a comfortable position for 1-5 minutes, until you feel a strong urge to go to the bathroom.
Step 8
Wash your hands again, with soap and warm water.
How long does it take to get relief?
Sodium phosphate enemas take about 2-5 minutes to start working.
Because they work fairly quickly, it is important to take them at home where you can make it to the bathroom quickly.
What are the side effects?
The most common side effects of a sodium phosphate enema are loose stools or diarrhea, belly pain, nausea, and rectal pain.
These side effects usually go away after a person has a good-sized bowel movement.
If you have severe belly pain, bloating or diarrhea, talk to your care team. They may suggest a different medication.
