Mineral oil enema is a lubricant laxative mineral-oil that lubricates and softens the stool to produce a bowel movement. It is a good option if stools are very hard or difficult to pass or if you need to avoid straining, especially if you are recovering from surgery, childbirth or if you suffer from hemorrhoids.

An enema is simply the process of introducing fluid into the intestines through the rectum. The liquid softens impacted stool, while the enema nozzle loosens the rectum. That combination will stimulate a large bowel movement. 

There are many different types of enemas: phosphosoda enema, which uses sodium phosphate to keep water in the intestines; mineral oil enema, which uses mineral oils as a lubricant; saline solution enema, the homemade enema that uses salt and lukewarm water; and milk and molasses enema, which uses sugars from equal amounts of whole milk and molasses.

Mineral oil, aside from its application on the skin,  is also used to treat occasional constipation. The oral form is taken by mouth, while the rectal form is applied in the rectum. It lubricates and coats the fecal contents to prevent water from being absorbed out of the stool. It generally produces a bowel movement within 15 minutes and is ideal for those who need to avoid straining after surgery or have given birth.

For a rectal enema, a small bottle or container is filled with a safe fluid, such as mineral oil or a saline solution. Then the fluid is gently squirted into the rectum with a clean nozzle. This directs the solution into the bowels to clear hard or impacted stool.

Enemas are typically the last course of action in treatment for constipation because of possible side effects. They can be safe to perform at home as long as you use safe types of fluids and sterilized tools, such as a home enema kit. But most home enema methods are not recommended to be performed at home.

You need to take certain precautions to prevent possible side effects or complications as enemas and colon cleanse, in general, can result in symptoms like nausea, dehydration, rectal pain, vomiting, and throwing off your natural electrolyte balance. “Natural” enemas like lemon juice or coffee can do more harm than good and should be avoided.

However, if you wanna DUY, Two of the most prominent mineral oil enema found in the market are Fleet Enema Oil and Sunmark Ready to Use Mineral oil. Both can be used and have subtle differences.

It is always recommended to have a doctor administer an enema or use alternative treatments to help loosen stool, treat long-term constipation, or cleanse harmful bacteria from your gut. Mineral oil enemas can be habit-forming and long-term use can make your body depend on the laxative for regular bowel movements, damage the bowel, cause malnutrition, and problems with the amounts of water and salts in your body. If your constipation keeps returning, check with your doctor.

Also, ask a doctor or a pharmacist whether is safe for you to use mineral oil enema if you have severe stomach pain, nausea or vomiting, a bowel obstruction or severe constipation, a sudden change in bowel habits lasting 2 weeks or longer, or if you have used any other laxative within the past 7 days. Do not give this medicine to a child younger than 2 years old.

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional include: allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue, diarrhea that is severe, and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Stop using mineral oil enema if there is no bowel movement after use, rectal bleeding, and blood in your stools; or severe and worsening stomach pain, cramping, or bloating.

This medicine needs to be stored at a temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F) and should be kept out of the reach of children.  Do not give oral mineral oil to a child younger than 12 years old.

Hemorrhoids affect millions of people each year- particularly those who are overweight, are pregnant, or have digestive disorders like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Mineral oil enemas can reduce the immediate pain and inflammation, while gently easing bowel movements to prevent straining and recurrence in hemorrhoid cases. For immediate relief, you can help lubricate your stools by mixing a tablespoon or two of mineral oil with a four- to eight-ounce glass of prune juice. Even if you are heavily constipated, avoid taking more than one dose per day, as this can cause watery stools.

Mineral oil enemas are safe to use for patients without severe abdominal pain, blood in stool or vomit, unusual allergic reaction to mineral oils, pregnant and breastfeeding women. Consult your physician before use if you have any of these conditions. Rectal mineral oil enema should not be administered orally.

Oral mineral oil should produce a bowel movement within 6 to 8 hours. Rectal mineral oil should produce a bowel movement within 2 to 15 minutes. Do not use mineral oil for longer than 1 week unless your doctor has told you to.

Since mineral oil is used as needed, you will not be on a frequent dosing schedule. 

The least irritating of all enemas, saline enema, a salt water solution that mimics your body’s sodium concentration, are used primarily for their ability to expand the colon and mechanically promote defecation. Saline enema produces bowel movement quicker (1-15 minutes) than mineral oil enema (around 15 minutes), however the use of mineral oil enema is long lasting. Saline enema is perfect for bowel cleansing before a rectal exam.  

Conclusion:

Mineral oil enemas can be a great way to lubricate colon, and treat constipation if used carefully and according to your physician’s directions. They can also be effective in cases of chronic constipation and bowel irregularities.  However, enemas should be applied only when needed as they may disturb your gut bacteria and disturb your body’s electrolyte balance.