A small rectal enema for occasional constipation
Sodium citrate enema
A small osmotic enema inserted into the back passage to relieve occasional constipation, working quickly for short-term use.
What is Sodium citrate enema?
A sodium citrate enema is a small, ready-to-use enema that is inserted into the back passage to relieve occasional constipation. It works by drawing water into the lower bowel to soften the stool and encourage a bowel movement, usually within a short time. It is intended for occasional, short-term use rather than as a regular treatment. The main side effects are local, such as irritation or discomfort around the back passage. If constipation keeps coming back, it is better to look at diet, fluids and longer-term laxatives with a pharmacist or doctor.
Education and reference only. This is a plain-language guide to Sodium citrate enema — it deliberately contains no doses. Doses depend on the person, the brand and the reason for treatment, and belong with your prescriber. Always check the BNF, the product labelling (SmPC) and follow medical advice.
What it is
A sodium citrate enema is a small (micro-)enema that comes ready to use and is inserted into the back passage to relieve occasional constipation. Compared with larger enemas, it uses only a small amount of liquid. It is designed to act quickly in the lower bowel to bring on a bowel movement, which makes it useful for short-term relief, including before some medical procedures. It is meant for occasional use rather than as a long-term solution to ongoing constipation.
How it works
The enema works mainly by an osmotic effect: it draws water into the lower part of the bowel, which softens the stool and increases the bulk and moisture in the back passage. This stimulates the bowel to empty, usually within a short time of using it. Because it acts locally in the lower bowel rather than throughout the whole gut, it tends to work quickly and is suited to relieving constipation that is sitting low down. It is used now and then rather than regularly.
Company & origin
Originated / developed by: Generic and branded manufacturers.
A small ready-to-use enema used in the UK to relieve occasional constipation, inserted into the back passage for fast, short-term relief.
Practical use
How to take Sodium citrate enema
General, dose-free guidance — always follow your prescriber's and the leaflet's specific instructions.
- Use it as an occasional treatment for constipation, following the instructions on how to insert it gently.
- Stay near a toilet after using it, as it usually works within a short time.
- Insert the nozzle carefully to avoid hurting the lining of the back passage, and stop if it is painful.
- Do not use it regularly; if constipation keeps coming back, review diet, fluids and longer-term options with a pharmacist or doctor.
- Seek advice if there is bleeding, severe pain, or a lasting change in your usual bowel habit.
Weighing it up
Advantages & disadvantages of Sodium citrate enema
Advantages
- Relieves occasional constipation quickly, often within a short time of use.
- Comes ready to use as a small enema, with only a small amount of liquid.
- Useful for short-term relief, including before some procedures.
Disadvantages
- Intended for occasional use only, not as a regular treatment for ongoing constipation.
- Can cause local irritation, burning or discomfort around the back passage.
- Inserting the nozzle carelessly could injure the delicate lining of the back passage.
Practical use
Good to know
The key point is that a sodium citrate enema is for occasional, short-term relief, not for everyday use; relying on enemas regularly is not the answer to ongoing constipation. It usually works quite quickly, so it is sensible to use it when you can stay near a toilet. Using it correctly matters: follow the instructions for inserting the nozzle gently to avoid injuring the delicate lining of the back passage, and stop if it is painful. The most common effects are local, such as irritation, a burning feeling or some discomfort around the back passage. If constipation keeps returning, it is worth reviewing diet, fluids, activity and gentler regular laxatives with a pharmacist or doctor, and seeking advice if there is bleeding, severe pain or a change in your usual bowel pattern.
Who should not take it / use with caution
- People who have had a serious allergic reaction to the enema or its ingredients should not use it.
- It should be avoided if there is bowel obstruction, recent bowel surgery, or active inflammation or damage around the back passage, unless a doctor advises otherwise.
- It is used with care in children and in frail or older people, on the advice of a pharmacist or doctor.
Monitoring
- Checking that constipation is relieved and is not becoming a recurring problem.
- Reviewing diet, fluids and activity if constipation keeps returning.
- Seeking assessment for any bleeding, severe pain or change in usual bowel habit.
Side effects
- Local irritation, a burning feeling or discomfort around the back passage.
- An urgent need to empty the bowels soon after use.
- Rarely, minor bleeding if the lining is irritated or the nozzle is inserted roughly.
Key interactions
- There are few well-established routine medicine interactions, as it acts locally in the lower bowel.
- Tell your pharmacist or doctor about other laxatives you use so treatment is not doubled up unnecessarily.
- If you take regular medicines, mention them when seeking advice about ongoing constipation.
Available as: A small ready-to-use enema inserted into the back passage.
Answers
Sodium citrate enema: frequently asked questions
What is a sodium citrate enema used for?
It is used to relieve occasional constipation by drawing water into the lower bowel to soften the stool and bring on a bowel movement, usually quite quickly.
How fast does it work?
It usually works within a short time, so it is best to stay near a toilet after using it.
Can I use it regularly?
No. It is for occasional, short-term use; if constipation keeps coming back, review diet, fluids and longer-term options with a pharmacist or doctor.
Does it hurt?
It can cause some local irritation or discomfort; insert the nozzle gently and stop if it is painful or if you notice bleeding.
When should I see a doctor instead?
Seek advice if there is bleeding, severe pain, or a lasting change in your usual bowel habit, rather than continuing to use enemas.
The wider class
About Osmotic rectal (micro-)enema
Sodium citrate enema belongs to the osmotic rectal (micro-)enema class. For how the class as a whole works, its shared safety principles and monitoring, see the full guide.
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Authoritative sources
- BNF
- NICE CKS
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