Sodium Chloride 15% Enema

What is this medication for?

This medication is a bowel cleanser used to relieve constipation or empty bowels prior to procedures such as endoscopy and bowel surgery. It increases the water content of your stools, making it softer and easier to pass.

How should I take or use this medication?

1. Wash your hands and prepare the enema as instructed.
2. If you are inserting the enema by yourself: Lie on your left side on a towel with the knee of your right leg pulled to your chest. (Left-side position). If someone is assisting you: Kneel down and lean forward, resting the side of your face on a towel. (Knee-chest position)
3. Remove the plastic wrapper and twist to remove the cap from the nozzle of the enema. Keep the tube in an upright position. Consider lubricating the tube with petroleum jelly for ease of insertion into the rectum.
4. Gently insert the nozzle slowly into your rectum. Do not use force when inserting the enema nozzle as it can cause injury.
5. Squeeze the required amount of enema as directed by your healthcare professional into the rectum.
6. Keep the enema bottle/tube squeezed while removing the nozzle from your rectum.
7. Try to retain the enema solution inside your rectum for as long as you have been instructed or until the urge to pass motion is strong.
8. Wash your hands after each enema insertion.

What should I do if I forget to take or use this medication?

If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember if it is not close to the next dose. Otherwise, you should skip the dose and take the next dose at the usual time. Do not take two doses together to make up for the missed dose.

What precautions should I take when taking or using this medication?

Inform your healthcare professional if: 

• You are allergic to this medication or any of the other ingredients of this medication
• You have any heart/kidney disease
• You have a salt-restricted diet 

If you have any question about this medication, please discuss with your healthcare professional.

What are some common side effects of this medication? ​

• Mild pain or discomfort
  • Take extra care when inserting the tip of the enema into the rectum.
  • Consider lubricating the tip of the enema with petroleum jelly for ease of insertion.
  • If you experience persistent pain or bloody/blackened stools, stop using the enema and seek medical attention immediately.
• Chronic constipation
  • Limit the frequency of enema use as the body may become dependent on it

What are some rare but serious side-effects that I need to seek medical advice immediately? 

The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following: 

• Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
• Difficulty in breathing
• Itchy skin rashes over your whole body

You can also find out about drug allergies by watching these videos:

For videos in  中文, Melayu and தமிழ், click here
 

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately.
 

How should I store this medication?

Store in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight. Keep this medication away from children.

How do I throw away this medication safely? ​

Pack this medication into a black trash bag and seal it tightly before throwing into the rubbish chute or bin.