Fleet Enema (Sodium Phosphates)

Generic name: Sodium Phosphates Enema [ SOW-dee-um-FOS-fates ]
Brand name: Fleet
Drug class: Laxatives

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jan 23, 2024.

Uses of Fleet:

• It is used to treat constipation.
• It is used to clean out the GI (gastrointestinal) tract.

What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Fleet?

• If you have an allergy to sodium phosphates or any other part of Fleet (sodium phosphates enema).
• If you are allergic to Fleet (sodium phosphates enema); any part of Fleet (sodium phosphates enema); or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
• If you have heart failure (weak heart).
• If you have ever had kidney problems.
• If you are using another drug that has the same drug in it.
• If you have any of these health problems: Bowel block, hole in the bowel, or other bowel problems; electrolyte (like sodium, potassium, phosphate) problems; fluid loss (dehydrated); or had stomach or bowel surgery.
• If you have any of these health problems: Bowel block, belly pain, upset stomach, rectal bleeding, throwing up, or change in bowel habits lasting longer than 2 weeks.

This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with Fleet (sodium phosphates enema).

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take Fleet (sodium phosphates enema) with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

Related/similar drugs

MiraLAX, docusate, erythromycin, lactulose, bisacodyl, Colace, senna

What are some things I need to know or do while I take Fleet?

• Tell all of your health care providers that you take Fleet (sodium phosphates enema). This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• If you are on a low-sodium or sodium-free diet, talk with your doctor. Some of these products have sodium.
• Different forms of Fleet (sodium phosphates enema) may be for use in different ages of children. Talk with the doctor before giving Fleet (sodium phosphates enema) to a child.
• Do not use other laxatives or stool softeners unless told to do so by the doctor.
• Talk with your doctor about drinking lots of fluids and other ways to prevent fluid loss. If you have a lot of fluid loss, you may have more side effects from Fleet (sodium phosphates enema).
• Tell your doctor if you have too much sweat, fluid loss, throwing up, diarrhea, not hungry, or more thirst.
• Talk with your doctor before you drink alcohol.
• If you have rectal bleeding or you do not have a bowel movement after using Fleet (sodium phosphates enema), talk with your doctor.
• Very bad kidney and heart problems have rarely happened in people using these products to treat constipation. Sometimes, this has been deadly. Most of the time, this happened when people used more of Fleet (sodium phosphates enema) than they were told. Do not use more than 1 dose of Fleet (sodium phosphates enema) in 24 hours. If you do not pass a stool after a dose of Fleet (sodium phosphates enema), do not use another product that has sodium phosphate in it within 24 hours. Call your doctor to find out what to do.
• This medicine may cause harm if swallowed. If Fleet (sodium phosphates enema) is swallowed, call a doctor or poison control center right away.
• If you are 65 or older, use Fleet (sodium phosphates enema) with care. You could have more side effects.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using Fleet (sodium phosphates enema) while you are pregnant.
• Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about any risks to your baby.

How is this medicine (Fleet) best taken?

Use Fleet (sodium phosphates enema) as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

• Use enema rectally.
• Take off cap.
• Put enema tip into the rectum with gentle pressure. Do not force.
• Do not take other drugs within 2 hours of Fleet (sodium phosphates enema).

What do I do if I miss a dose?

Constipation:

• This medicine is taken on an as needed basis. Do not take more often than told by the doctor.

Bowel exams:

• If you are using Fleet (sodium phosphates enema) before an exam, take a missed dose as soon as you think about it.

What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Signs of fluid and electrolyte problems like mood changes, confusion, muscle pain or weakness, a heartbeat that does not feel normal, very bad dizziness or passing out, fast heartbeat, more thirst, seizures, feeling very tired or weak, not hungry, unable to pass urine or change in the amount of urine produced, dry mouth, dry eyes, or very bad upset stomach or throwing up.
• Chest pain or pressure.
• Signs of kidney problems like unable to pass urine, change in how much urine is passed, blood in the urine, or a big weight gain.
• Very bad belly cramping or bloating.
• Very bad belly pain.
• Very bad headache.
• Very upset stomach or throwing up.
• Black, tarry, or bloody stools.
• Bleeding from rectum or rectal pain.

What are some other side effects of Fleet?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

• Belly pain.
• Upset stomach or throwing up.
• Bloating.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

How do I store and/or throw out Fleet?

• Store at room temperature.
• Store in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
• Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

• If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
• Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
• Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about Fleet (sodium phosphates enema), please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer