Mineral Oil Enema
Generic name: Mineral Oil Enema [ MIN-uh-ral ]
Brand name: Fleet
Drug class: Laxatives
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 30, 2024.
Uses of Mineral Oil Enema:
- 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 Mineral Oil Enema?
- If you have an allergy to mineral oil or any other part of mineral oil enema.
- If you are allergic to mineral oil enema; any part of mineral oil enema; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
- 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 mineral oil 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 mineral oil 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.
What are some things I need to know or do while I take Mineral Oil Enema?
- Tell all of your health care providers that you take mineral oil enema. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
- Do not use mineral oil enema for more than 1 week unless told to do so by your doctor.
- Do not use other laxatives or stool softeners unless told to do so by the doctor.
- If you have rectal bleeding or you do not have a bowel movement after using mineral oil enema, talk with your doctor.
- If you are 65 or older, use mineral oil enema with care. You could have more side effects.
- This medicine may cause harm if swallowed. If mineral oil enema is swallowed, call a doctor or poison control center right away.
- Different brands of mineral oil enema may be for use in different ages of children. Talk with the doctor before giving mineral oil enema to a child.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using mineral oil 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 (Mineral Oil Enema) best taken?
Use mineral oil enema as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.
- Use enema rectally.
What do I do if I miss a dose?
- If you take mineral oil enema on a regular basis, take a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
- If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
- Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.
- Many times mineral oil enema is taken on an as needed basis. Do not take more often than told by the doctor.
Related/similar drugs
MiraLAX, bisacodyl, docusate, lactulose, Colace, senna
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.
- Very bad dizziness or passing out.
- Very bad belly pain.
- Very upset stomach or throwing up.
- Severe diarrhea.
- Bleeding from rectum or rectal pain.
What are some other side effects of Mineral Oil Enema?
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.
- Stomach cramps.
- Bloating.
- Gas.
- Upset stomach or throwing up.
- Diarrhea.
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 Mineral Oil Enema?
- Store at room temperature.
- 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 mineral oil 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.
More about mineral oil
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- Drug class: laxatives
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