Patient Information Leaflet

FLETCHERS'® PHOSPHATE ENEMA

READY-TO-USE ENEMA

PHOSPHATES ENEMA BP FORMULA B

128ml

Indications:

Fletchers' Phosphate Enema draws water into the bowel making the stools softer and encouraging evacuation. It is used in the treatment of constipation. It may also be used to evacuate and clean the bowel before and after certain operations and before childbirth, or before diagnostic procedures such as proctoscopy, sigmoidoscopy or x-ray examination.

Dosage:

One enema should be administered as required. For children under 12 and above 3 years of age the dosage should be reduced in proportion to the body weight of the child i.e. a 35kg (5½stone) child should receive half the contents of the bottle.

Do not administer to children under 3 years.

Do not use:

If there is known hypersensitivity to any of the ingredients. In patients with inflammatory or ulcerative conditions of the large bowel or in those with increased colonic absorptive capacity e.g. Hirschsprung's disease and in those with acute gastrointestinal conditions.

Precautions:

Fletchers' Phosphate Enema is suitable for adults and children provided they are over 3 years old.

Fletchers' Phosphate Enema should be used with caution in patients requiring a reduced sodium intake and electrolyte balance should be maintained during extended use.

Directions for use

The enema may be administered at room temperature or warmed in warm water before use.

• Standard Tube Version: REMOVE BLUE PROTECTIVE CAP
• Long tube version: KEEPING BOTTLE UPRIGHT REMOVE CAP AND SCREW ON ADMINISTRATION TUBE SECURELY.

Lie on side with both knees bent, drawn up towards the chest.

Insert the full length of the nozzle into the rectum and squeeze the bottle.

• Standard Tube Version: The tip of the nozzle is prelubricated for ease of administration.
• Long tube version: If required the nozzle may be lubricated with petroleum jelly prior to use.

Return used bottle to carton and discard hygienically.

When administering to young children the nozzle should only be inserted to half its length.

Care should be taken not to use undue force when administering, especially in elderly or debilitated patients or those with neurological disorders such as paraplegia or stroke.

After using:

Fletchers' Phosphate Enema should produce a rapid response. There are not normally any problems following the use of Fletchers' Phosphate Enema. It is possible that prolonged use may lead to irritation of the rectum.

Very rarely vasovagal attacks (fainting) have occurred following administration in elderly patients.

If you think that Fletchers' Phosphate Enema has caused any side-effect tell a doctor or a pharmacist.

Seek medical advice if overdose or accidental ingestion occurs.