What is Enema: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Follow the directions on the packaging.

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

Laxative enemas are used in the rectum only. Do not take them by mouth.

Do not take more than recommended or administer enemas more frequently than directed.

Laxative enemas may be taken at any time.

• Take or administer mineral oil enemas at bedtime.

The bottle may need to be shaken before use. Read the directions.

Wash your hands with soap and water before and after administering the enema.

Position your body:

• Left-side position: lie on your left side with your right knee bent and both arms resting comfortably on the surface

• Knee-chest position: Kneel, bend forward until the left side of your face is on the surface, and the left arm folded underneath the abdomen 

• Other positions: Some products can be administered in other positions, such as sitting on the toilet. Read the directions if you have questions about the proper positioning.

Remove the cap from the bottle or tube end. 

Some products recommend that you lubricate the end of the tip, the anus, or both. Read the directions for details.

With steady pressure, gently insert the tip into the rectum about an inch. 

• It’s easier to insert if you insert it with a small side-to-side movement.

Once the tip is inserted, squeeze the bottle or tube until all the liquid has been ejected. 

Remove the tip from the rectum. Keep the tube squeezed until the tip is fully removed.

For most laxative enemas, you or the person receiving the enema can change position after removing the tip. 

• For bisacodyl enemas, don’t change position until you need a bowel movement, which may take five to twenty minutes.

Dispose of the bottle and any liquid remaining in it.

Enemas are typically stored at room temperature.

If an enema has been used, throw it away even if it still has liquid.

Take a missed enema at any time.

Do not exceed the daily dosage. The maximum dosage for most laxative enemas (except docusate ones) is one bottle daily. 

Mineral oil enemas should be administered at night. If a dose is missed and it’s the next day, take the dose during the day or at bedtime. Don’t take two mineral oil enemas in a single 24-hour period.

Laxative enemas are not right for everyone. 

Do not use a laxative enema if you have had an allergic reaction to the active ingredient or any other ingredient in the enema.

Certain types of laxatives are not appropriate for bedridden patients.

Tell any doctor or other healthcare provider who treats you that you are using a laxative enema.

Before using a laxative enema, talk to a doctor if you’re pregnant or have:

• Bowel blockage

• A sudden change in bowel habits that lasts 14 days or longer

• Diverticulitis

• Rectal bleeding

• Recent abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting

• Other stomach or intestine problems

• Kidney disease

Do not use a laxative enema if you have been taking other laxatives for seven days. Talk to a doctor first.

Stop using laxatives and call a doctor if you experience:

• Rectal bleeding

• Diarrhea that lasts longer than a week

• Severe diarrhea (watery diarrhea or bloody diarrhea)

Call a healthcare provider if you do not have a bowel movement within 30–60 minutes after you use the enema.

Saline laxatives and any other enema containing sodium may not be appropriate for anyone on a sodium-restricted or phosphorus-restricted diet. Talk to a healthcare professional first. 

Glycerin can be administered rectally as a suppository or enema. Both are marketed as “suppositories,” so check the packaging picture or instructions to determine if you’re purchasing an enema or suppository.  

Do not use laxative enemas for longer than seven days. Talk to a healthcare professional if constipation does not improve after seven days.

Do not give laxatives to a child until you’ve consulted with a healthcare provider.

• Age restrictions vary by product. Please read the instructions carefully.

If you are taking prescription medications, ask the prescribing doctor for advice before taking any over-the-counter laxatives. 

Tell any healthcare professional who prescribes new drugs that you are taking a laxative.

Avoid taking other laxatives when using laxative enemas.  

Do not use a mineral oil enema if taking a stool softener.

Do not use a saline laxative if you use any other product containing sodium phosphate.

Some drugs cause constipation and will make laxatives less effective at helping you pass stools. These include:

• Anti-diarrhea drugs

• Opioids

• Tricyclic antidepressants

• Iron supplements

• Some blood pressure medications