Frequently Asked Questions

A division of the National Institutes of Health defines constipation as having a bowel movement fewer than three times a week. Stools are usually hard, dry, small in size and difficult to eliminate. People with constipation usually either have very large hard stools or hard pellet-like stools. Bowel movements are infrequent and often painful.

Lots of things can cause constipation. Common causes include not getting enough fiber, fluids or insufficient exercise. However, constipation can also result from a more serious medical condition.

There are several things you can do to help prevent constipation, such as eating a well-balanced diet with plenty of fiber, drinking lots of fluids and getting plenty of exercise.

The Institute of Medicine of the National Academies recommends 38 grams of fiber for adult men and 25 grams of fiber for adult women.

Laxatives are grouped into the following categories:

• Bulk-forming: An agent that increases bulk volume and water content of the stool, which then promotes a bowel movement.
• Carbon dioxide-releasing: A suppository agent that contains ingredients that release carbon dioxide, which then induces gentle pressure in the rectum and promotes a bowel movement.
• Hyperosmotic: An agent that attracts water into the stool and promotes a bowel movement. For example, Fleet® Liquid Glycerin and Glycerin Suppositories.
• Lubricant: An agent that lubricates the contents of the intestinal tract, which coats the stool mass to keep moisture in, thereby helping to soften the stool mass and make it easier to pass. For example, Fleet® Mineral Oil Enema.
• Saline: An agent that increases water in the intestine, which promotes a bowel movement. For example, Fleet® Enema.
• Stimulant: An agent that promotes a bowel movement by directly acting on the intestine. For example, Fleet® Bisacodyl Enema.

*Source: Young, Frank E.; Heckler, Margaret M. PA OTC Compilation, Part I. Federal Register Vol. 50:No.10, 106-113, January 15, 1985.

Laxatives are chosen by individual preference or at the recommendation of your physician. 

Rectal laxatives provide immediate relief and are a good alternative for someone who cannot take oral medication. Some enemas can work in 5 minutes or less, while suppositories work within an hour. 

Although enemas and suppositories are often doctor-recommended, our products are over-the-counter, it is not necessary to have a doctor prescribe the type of laxative best suited to your needs. In fact, many people learn about Fleet® laxatives from their family and friends.

Yes, all Fleet® laxatives are gluten-free.

We recommend using Pedia-Lax, Fleet’s® line of products designed especially for children. For more information, please visit www.pedia-lax.com.

An enema is a delivery method that introduces a volume of liquid into the rectum. Enemas can act as a laxative and can be used for the relief of constipation. Enemas can be used prior to a medical procedure when prescribed by your doctor. All enemas should be administered rectally, NOT orally.

Results will vary depending on which type of Fleet® enema is used. Please refer to each product page for relief times.

Enema solution should be held until the urge to evacuate is strong. See drug facts for additional information. For Fleet® Saline Enema, if no urge is felt after 5 minutes of using, try to empty bowel. Call a doctor promptly after using a saline enema and no liquid comes out of the rectum after 30 minutes, because dehydration could occur.

No, the enema is disposable and designed to be used only once.

The enema should be inserted into the rectum and nowhere else.

The tips of the Fleet® Saline Enemas, Mineral Oil Enemas and Bisacodyl enemas are lubricated with petroleum jelly to ease insertion into the rectum.

The best positions are either lying down on your left side, on your back or in a knee to chest position. View Diagram.

No. All Fleet® products are latex-free.

The enema can be used up to three days in a row before consulting a physician. If you have not received relief after three days of use, please contact your doctor. Using more than one enema within 24 hours can be harmful.

Fleet® Enema EXTRA contains 70% more volume than Fleet® Enema for extra cleansing and relief.

If there is no bowel movement after 5 minutes of using, try to empty bowel. Call a doctor promptly after using a saline enema and no liquid comes out of the rectum after 30 minutes, because dehydration could occur.

Adult-sized enemas should not be used for children under age 12. Use Pedia-Lax® Enema for Children or check out the rest of the Pedia-Lax® line at www.pedia-lax.com. NEVER give an enema to children under two years old.

Mineral oil helps lubricate and soften the stool. Fleet® Mineral Oil Enema is sodium-free.

Bisacodyl is a stimulant laxative that works directly on the intestine to increase the muscle contractions which move stool through the bowel. Fleet® Bisacodyl Enema is sodium phosphate-free.

A solid cone or cylinder-shaped medication, designed to be inserted into the rectum.

The suppository draws water into the stool, thus softening the stool and helping to cause a bowel movement.

A suppository generally works within 15 minutes to an hour.

Use Pedia-Lax® glycerin suppositories. Pedia-lax® is the first complete line of laxative formulated just for kids. For more information, please visit www.pedia-lax.com.

No, the suppository does not need to melt in order to be effective. The suppository is designed to partially dissolve, which may or may not be noticeable.

Using your finger, insert the suppository into the rectum. Push the suppository in as far as the length of your finger. Fleet® also makes Liquid Glycerin Suppositories that come in a convenient no-mess applicator, thus eliminating the need to use your finger.

The best place to store the suppositories is in a cool, dry place. They can also be refrigerated. The suppository is designed to dissolve once it becomes warm.

A gentle way to relieve occasional constipation. Glycerin suppositories draws water into the stool, making bowel movement easier and more comfortable.  

Unlike Fleet® Glycerin Suppositories, Liquid Glycerin Suppositories provide no-mess application and faster delivery (there’s no need to wait for the suppository to dissolve).

No. Even though a small amount of liquid may be left in the applicator, there is plenty of glycerin in the suppository to ensure that it is effective.