ENEMEEZ® Knowledge Base

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Kids constipation 6

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Adult constipation 8

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Bowel management 6

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Frequently asked questions

Answers to our most commonly asked questions

General

Adult constipation

Kids constipation

How long will it take to work?

Results may vary. Many individuals experience immediate results. Others, may go through an acclimation period, if the individual has used another laxative therapy for several years. Please speak with your physician about the length of time your body may need to acclimate. If you do not experience an improvement, please consult your physician.

Will using ENEMEEZ® decrease the time spent on my bowel care program?

Many patients experience a reduction in time to complete their bowel care program. Most will experience an evacuation in 15 minutes or less.1

Will the ENEMEEZ® product cause irritation?

The ENEMEEZ® formulation is a non-irritant. Instead, it draws water from surrounding tissues, incorporating the water into the stool, initiating a “natural” replicated evacuation. Please consult the drug facts located on the product label to obtain product usage warnings and precautions. For additional questions, please consult your physician.

Will I get mucosal discharge?

ENEMEEZ® products do not irritate the bowel lining, therefore individuals will not produce a mucosal discharge from the ENEMEEZ® formulation.2 This may assist the patient in maintaining healthy skin integrity related to fecal incontinence by the use of other laxative products. If you have been using a bisacodyl product previously, mucosal discharge may occur up to three (3) days after discontinuing use.

What happens if I don’t have a bowel movement?

When beginning the use of the ENEMEEZ® products, it is natural for your body to go through an acclimation period in order for your body to re-adjust. If you do not have an evacuation within 30 minutes, one to three units rectally can be administered during a bowel care session, 30 minutes apart, as needed or as directed by a physician.

How do I use ENEMEEZ® products?

ENEMEEZ is administered in a compact application tube, making an evacuation a simple and quick process. ENEMEEZ® is to be used rectally as an enema, it is not a suppository. Watch our 'how to use' video for step by step instructions here.

What’s the difference between the ENEMEEZ® and ENEMEEZ® Plus?

The only difference between ENEMEEZ® and ENEMEEZ® Plus is the addition of 20mg of benzocaine. ENEMEEZ® Plus contains 20mg of benzocaine, assisting in the anesthetization of the rectum and lower bowel. The formulation was developed for patients who experience painful bowel movements or autonomic dysreflexia.

Where can I purchase ENEMEEZ® and ENEMEEZ® Plus?

ENEMEEZ® and ENEMEEZ® Plus are over-the-counter products. ENEMEEZ® and ENEMEEZ® Plus are covered by Medicaid and private insurance plans in many states, requiring little to no out-of-pocket cost to the patient. We recommend that individuals contact their insurance companies. If you do not have coverage, please contact Customer Care for purchasing options or to receive details on the patient assistance program.

Will I need to still do Digital Stimulation?

Digital stimulation may be required by many patients, although many report a reduction in the amount of time. Please consult your physician.

I don’t have a Spinal Cord Injury. Can I still use ENEMEEZ® and ENEMEEZ® Plus?

Yes. ENEMEEZ® products are effective for bowel care needs associated with general constipation.

Can ENEMEEZ® be used for children?

ENEMEEZ® is considered safe for persons 12 years of age or older (with adult supervision). For children under 12 years of age, consult a physician prior to use.1

Is the usage of an oral docusate sodium product and the ENEMEEZ® product the same?

Oral docusate sodium must be processed through the stomach and gastrointestinal tract, a process that can take 12-72 hours. ENEMEEZ® is delivered directly into the rectum, producing results in 2-15minutes.1

How can you treat and prevent constipation yourself?

In addition to proper fiber intake and adequate hydration, home remedies for constipation, maintaining a regular fitness routine help prevent and relieve constipation. Aerobic activities that increase heart rate are best as it increases blood flow to the digestive tract. This blood flow produces the intestinal contractions needed for healthy, regular bowel movements. It’s also important to maintain a regular bowel routine.

 

What should I do if I am constipated?

It’s important to consult with a physician before deciding which constipation treatment is right for your particular situation. In addition to following medical advice, be sure to increase hydration, consume fiber, and engage in some form of aerobic exercise.

 

What are the signs & symptoms of constipation?

Signs and symptoms of constipation include stool that is hard, dry, lumpy, and/or ‘pellet-like’, lower abdominal pain, bloating, feeling the need to strain to pass stool, passing stool less frequently than what is usual for you, and incomplete evacuation of stool.

How does a stool softener help relieve constipation?

Stool softeners work by increasing the amount of hydration stool absorbs in the gastrointestinal tract. This softens and moistens stool, making it easier to pass. Stool softeners help prevent additional health conditions that can be associated with constipation, such as hemorrhoids, anal fissures, and fecal impaction.

What is constipation?

Constipation is uncomfortable even when it occurs only occasionally, but the medical diagnosis of constipation means having fewer than three bowel movements per week and/or stools that are hard, dry, lumpy, and difficult to pass. Constipation often comes with bloating, straining to have a bowel movement and a feeling that not all stool has passed.

Constipation is a very common disorder of the digestive system that afflicts about 42 million Americans, or 15% of the population. It is more common in women and non-Caucasians, and an estimated 40% to 60% of older adults regularly deal with constipation.

Constipation can be acute or chronic. Acute constipation is short-term, doesn’t last more than a few days, and can generally be relieved by medications and minor lifestyle changes.

Chronic constipation is long-term and can continue for months or even years. It is disruptive to a person’s personal and/or professional life and can’t be relieved by minor changes in lifestyle. Chronic constipation should be diagnosed and treated by a physician.

What causes constipation?

When stool spends too much time in the colon, the colon absorbs water from the stool making it hard and dry. It is much more difficult to pass stool in this condition, which causes people to ‘strain’ because the muscles in the rectum are over-working to pass the stool.

Health Conditions:

Some health conditions can increase the risk of constipation, including Parkinson’s disease, spinal cord illness or injury, diabetes, hypothyroidism, celiac disease, and irritable bowel syndrome.

Other common health conditions that can cause constipation are pregnancy, surgery, hormonal changes, and conditions that affect metabolism.

Medications:

Medications and supplements can cause constipation as well – even common over-the-counter medications like antacids, diuretics, iron supplements, antihistamines, ibuprofen and naproxen.

Certain prescription medications are also known to increase the risk of constipation, including antispasmodics, anti-nauseants, blood pressure medications, narcotic pain medication, certain medications used to treat depression, and anticholinergics used to treat urinary incontinence.

In addition, overuse of laxatives can increase the risk of constipation, as the bowel can become reliant upon them to pass stool.

Lifestyle Changes:

Lifestyle changes are another common cause of constipation, so it’s important to pay attention to changes in diet or habits, including:

  • Reduction in physical activity or exercise: Lack of exercise or spending a lot of time sitting and/or lying down can increase risk of constipation. This can be a problem for people with health conditions or injuries that require them to be immobile. Maintaining a regular fitness routine is an important part of maintaining a regular bowel routine.
  • Not enough fluids: Fluids, especially water and non-diuretics, keep the digestive tract moving and promote healthy bowel movements. Lack of hydration slows the stool movement through the intestine which can cause constipation. Daily fluid intake should include an adequate amount of non-diuretic fluids, such as water.
  • Reduction in fiber: Fiber retains water in the intestine, making stools easier to pass. When there is a reduction in fiber, stool becomes dry and harder to pass. Maintaining a diet that includes high fiber food is an important part of preventing and relieving constipation. Consuming the daily recommended amount of fiber is also an important part of maintaining digestive health.
  • Change in routine: When stool is not passed on a regular basis, or the urge to ‘go’ is ignored, stool builds up in the bowel and causes constipation. This is especially common in people who travel frequently or have other breaks in their regular routine. Maintaining a regular routine for bowel movements as much as possible helps prevent constipation. Good times of day to pass stool include first thing in the morning and 30-45 minutes after a meal.
 

What is children's constipation?

Bowel patterns vary from child to child, just as they do in adults. What's normal for your child may be different from what's normal for another child. Most children have bowel movements one to two times per day. Other children may go two to three days or longer before passing a normal stool. For instance, if your child is healthy and has normal stools without discomfort or pain, ­having a bowel movement every three days may be your child’s normal bowel pattern.

Children with constipation may have stools that are hard, dry, and difficult or painful to pass. These stools may occur daily or be less frequent. Although constipation can cause discomfort and pain, it's usually temporary and can be treated.

Constipation is a common problem in children. It's one of the main reasons children are referred to a specialist, called a pediatric gastroenterologist.

What are the signs of constipation in children?

  • Many days without a normal bowel movement
  • Children who produce stools that look like pebbly rabbit droppings.
  • Toddlers who routinely strain to pass hard stools.
  • Abdominal pain, such as stomachaches, cramping, or nausea.
  • Rectal bleeding from tears, called fissures.
  • Soiling.
  • Poor appetite.
  • Cranky behavior.
  • A protruding abdomen and a decrease in appetite.
  • Having (Experiencing) pain during a bowel movement.

What causes constipation in children?

Constipation frequently occurs for a variety of reasons.

  • Diet. Changes in diet, or not enough fiber or fluid in your child's diet, can cause constipation.
  • Illness. If your child is sick and experiences appetite loss, a change in diet can throw their system off and lead to constipation.
  • Medicine. Constipation may be a side effect of some medicines.
  • Medical Conditions. Constipation may result from certain medical conditions, such as hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid gland).
  • Withholding. Your child may withhold stool for several different reasons. Children often withhold to avoid pain from passing a hard stool. Children who might be dealing with independence and control issues may also withhold—this is commonly seen between the ages of two and five years old. It is not uncommon to see children withhold while at school, at a friends house or camp because of embarrassment or being uncomfortable using a public toilet. Your child may also withhold simply to continue playing.
  • Other changes. In general, any changes in your child's routine, such as traveling, hot weather, or stressful situations, may affect overall health and how bowel functions.

If constipation goes untreated, it may worsen. The longer the stool stays inside the lower intestinal tract, the larger, firmer and drier it becomes. It then becomes more difficult and painful to pass.
Your child may hold back stool because of the pain. This creates a vicious cycle.

Is medicine needed to treat children's constipation?

In some cases, your child's doctor may prescribe medicine to soften or remove the stool. Consult your child’s physician about options such as DocuSol® Kids to provide relief. After the stool is removed, your child's doctor may suggest ways you can help your child develop good bowel habits to prevent stools from backing up again.

How long should I wait to contact a healthcare provider if my kid is constipated?

If your child's constipation lasts longer than two weeks, it is recommended to seek advice from a pediatrician about the right course of action.

How can children's constipation be prevented?

Because each child's bowel patterns are different, become familiar with your child's normal bowel patterns. Make note of the usual size and consistency of her stools. This will help you and your child's doctor determine when constipation occurs and how best to treat it (best treatment options). If your child doesn't have normal bowel movements every few days or is uncomfortable when stools are passed, she may need help in developing proper bowel habits.

You can…

  • Encourage your child to drink plenty of water and eat higher-fiber foods.
  • Help your child set up a regular toileting routine.
  • Encourage your child to be physically active. Exercise, along with a balanced diet, provides the foundation for a healthy, active life.

What is encopresis?

If your child withholds stool, the large stool buildup can cause rectal stretching when having a bowel movement. Your child may no longer feel the urge to pass a stool until it is too big to be passed without the help of an enema, laxative or other treatment. It is not uncommon for liquid resembling diarrhea to leak out onto your child’s underwear. This happens as liquid can only pass around the stool. This is often confusion to both parents and pediatrician, as the liquid is not diarrhea. This problem is called encopresis.

Why does an established bowel care program matter?

  • Chronic constipation is a common problem in children with disabilities and should be addressed effectively at an early stage in their multidisciplinary management.
  • Cerebral Palsy: Fecal incontinence, or encopresis, and constipation are common bowel and bladder problems among adults or children with cerebral palsy.
  • Spina Bifida: Due to nerve damage between the spinal cord and the bowel system, bowel incontinence and constipation are associated with spina bifida.
  • Constipation is often associated with bouts of diarrhea because the soft and runny stools that are stuck above the “hard stools” that cause constipation cannot be processed by the bowel properly and will flow around the hard material causing a bout of diarrhea.
  • Chronic constipation also stretches the bowel and leads to weakened sensation. This stretching can take years to get back to normal.

How Does ENEMEEZ® Kids work?

The ENEMEEZ® Kids formulation functions as a stool-softening, hyperosmotic laxative by drawing water into the bowel from surrounding body tissues. The docusate sodium acts as a softener by preparing the stool to readily mix with watery fluids. The increased mass of stool promotes a bowel evacuation by stimulating nerve endings in the bowel lining and initiating peristalsis. Not only does it soften and loosen the stool, but it initiates a normal stimulus. ENEMEEZ® Kids provides a natural, replicated bowel movement.