
Anema133 ml
Medicine overview
Indications of Anema
Anema is an osmotic (saline) laxative combination indicated for:
- Established/approved use: Relief of occasional constipation (short-term use, oral solution).
- Established/approved use: Cleansing of the bowel as preparation for colonoscopy or other bowel examinations/procedures, usually as part of a bowel-preparation regimen that includes adequate oral fluid intake (oral solution, taken in divided doses as directed by a physician).
- Established/approved use: Rectal enema formulations of Anema are indicated for the relief of occasional constipation.
Anema is not intended for chronic or repeated use and should be used strictly according to the dose and frequency on the product label or as directed by a physician.
Composition
Diabasic Sodium Phosphate + Monobasic Sodium Phosphate combines two sodium phosphate salts that together provide the osmotic laxative effect:
- Monobasic sodium phosphate (monohydrate)
- Dibasic/diabasic sodium phosphate (heptahydrate)
The exact strength per mL or per dose unit varies by formulation (oral solution vs. rectal enema) and is specified on the individual product label.
Description
Anema is a combination saline laxative made up of two sodium phosphate salts. It is formulated as an oral solution for bowel cleansing/relief of constipation, or as a ready-to-use rectal enema for relief of occasional constipation. It works by drawing water into the bowel to produce a bowel movement within a short period after administration.
Therapeutic Class
Anema belongs to the therapeutic class of saline (osmotic) laxatives / bowel evacuants.
Pharmacology
Diabasic Sodium Phosphate + Monobasic Sodium Phosphate acts as a hyperosmotic saline laxative. The phosphate salts are poorly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and osmotically draw water into the intestinal lumen. This increases intraluminal volume, distends the bowel, and stimulates peristalsis, resulting in evacuation of the bowel, typically within 30 minutes to a few hours of oral dosing, or more rapidly (within about 2-5 minutes) with rectal enema use.
A portion of the administered phosphate and sodium can be absorbed systemically, which is the basis for the electrolyte disturbances (see Precautions and Side Effects) that can occur, especially with excessive dosing or in patients with impaired renal function.
Dosage & Administration of Anema
Adult Dosage
| Indication | Formulation | Typical Adult Dose |
|---|---|---|
| Occasional constipation | Oral solution | As directed on the product label, mixed with water; not to exceed the labeled maximum single or 24-hour dose. |
| Bowel cleansing before colonoscopy | Oral solution | Given in divided doses (evening before and/or morning of the procedure) as part of a physician-directed bowel-preparation protocol, together with additional clear fluids. |
| Occasional constipation | Rectal enema | One standard enema administered rectally as a single dose; do not repeat within 24 hours unless directed by a physician. |
Do not exceed the labeled dose or frequency of Anema. Repeated or excessive dosing has been associated with serious, sometimes fatal, electrolyte disturbances and kidney injury (see Precautions and Warnings).
Pediatric Dosage
Use in children should only be under direct medical supervision; oral bowel-preparation dosing (if used) should follow weight-based, physician-directed protocols. Rectal enema use should generally be avoided in young children per labeled age restrictions (see Use in Special Populations).
Renal Impairment
Anema should generally be avoided in patients with significant renal impairment; if any use is considered in mild renal impairment, it should only be under close physician supervision with monitoring (see Contraindications).
Administration of Anema
- Oral solution: Dilute with the recommended amount of water as directed on the label and drink promptly. Follow with additional clear fluids as instructed, especially when used for bowel cleansing before a procedure.
- Rectal enema: For rectal use only. Administer as a single dose using the pre-filled applicator, with the patient lying on their side, following the instructions provided with the product.
Do not take the rectal enema formulation of Anema by mouth, and do not use the oral solution rectally.
Interaction of Anema
Clinically significant interactions with Anema include:
- Diuretics, ACE inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), and NSAIDs: These agents can reduce renal blood flow or alter renal handling of sodium/phosphate, increasing the risk of acute kidney injury (including phosphate nephropathy) and electrolyte disturbance when combined with Anema; use together only with medical guidance and adequate hydration.
- Other oral medications: Because Anema accelerates bowel transit, it may reduce the absorption of orally administered drugs taken at the same time; separate dosing where possible.
- Other laxatives or bowel-preparation agents: Concurrent use with other osmotic or stimulant laxatives increases the risk of dehydration and electrolyte imbalance; avoid combining bowel-preparation products unless specifically directed by a physician.
Contraindications
Diabasic Sodium Phosphate + Monobasic Sodium Phosphate is contraindicated in patients with:
- Known hypersensitivity to Diabasic Sodium Phosphate + Monobasic Sodium Phosphate or any component of the formulation.
- Significant renal impairment/kidney disease (risk of acute phosphate nephropathy).
- Congestive heart failure or other conditions requiring sodium/fluid restriction.
- Bowel obstruction.
- Active inflammatory bowel disease (e.g., ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease).
- Toxic megacolon or gastric retention.
- Dehydration.
Side Effects of Anema
Common, generally mild side effects of Anema include:
- Nausea, vomiting
- Abdominal bloating, cramping, or discomfort
- Anal/rectal irritation (with enema use)
Serious but less common effects: significant electrolyte disturbances (hyperphosphatemia, hypocalcemia, hypernatremia) and dehydration; rarely, acute phosphate nephropathy (a form of acute kidney injury) has been reported, particularly with excessive dosing or in at-risk patients (see Precautions and Warnings and Contraindications). Seek prompt medical attention for severe abdominal pain, reduced urination, unusual weakness, or signs of dehydration.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Data on the use of Anema in pregnancy are limited. It should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed and if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus; consult a physician before use. There is limited information on excretion into breast milk; use during breastfeeding only under medical advice, weighing benefits against potential risks, and monitor the mother for electrolyte disturbances if used.
Precautions & Warnings
Use Anema with caution and only as directed on the label:
- Serious, sometimes fatal, electrolyte disturbances (hyperphosphatemia, hypocalcemia, hypernatremia) and dehydration have been reported with sodium phosphate bowel-cleansing products, particularly with excessive dosing, in elderly patients, or in those with even mild-to-moderate pre-existing renal impairment.
- Use the lowest effective dose in line with the label, ensure adequate hydration before and after use, and avoid use in patients at higher risk of complications (elderly, renal impairment, dehydration, heart failure).
- Do not exceed the labeled maximum dose or frequency; do not use multiple doses in a short period for bowel preparation without direct medical guidance.
- Avoid rectal enema use in young children in line with labeled age restrictions, given the same electrolyte/absorption concerns seen with oral use.
- Discontinue and seek medical attention if severe abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, or signs of dehydration or electrolyte imbalance occur.
Overdose Effects of Anema
Overdose or excessive/repeated use of Anema can cause severe electrolyte disturbances (hyperphosphatemia, hypocalcemia, hypernatremia), dehydration, and acute kidney injury, which can be serious or life-threatening, especially in the elderly or those with reduced kidney function. If overdose is suspected, seek immediate medical attention or contact emergency services/a poison control center. Do not attempt specific home treatment; management requires medical evaluation, monitoring of electrolytes and renal function, and supportive care as determined by a physician.
Storage Conditions
Store at room temperature (below 30°C), away from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Use In Special Populations
- Renal impairment: Anema should generally be avoided in patients with significant renal impairment because of the risk of acute phosphate nephropathy (see Contraindications); use extreme caution and medical supervision in mild impairment.
- Elderly: Higher risk of electrolyte disturbance and dehydration; use the lowest effective dose with adequate hydration and monitoring.
- Pediatric patients: Use only under direct medical supervision; rectal enema use should generally be avoided in young children per labeled age restrictions (see Pediatric Uses).
- Pregnancy and lactation: See Pregnancy and Lactation section.
- Hepatic impairment: No well-established specific dose adjustment; use with general caution as for any patient at risk of fluid/electrolyte imbalance.
Duration Of Treatment
Anema is intended for short-term, occasional use only - either a single bowel-preparation course before a procedure or occasional relief of constipation. It is not intended for regular or prolonged use. If constipation persists beyond a few days despite use, or if bowel cleansing needs to be repeated frequently, consult a physician.
Drug Classes
Saline laxatives; osmotic laxatives; bowel evacuants/bowel-preparation agents.
Mode Of Action
Diabasic Sodium Phosphate + Monobasic Sodium Phosphate works osmotically: the poorly absorbed phosphate salts draw water into the bowel lumen, increasing intraluminal fluid volume and distending the bowel wall, which stimulates peristalsis and produces evacuation of the bowel contents.
Pediatric Uses
The safety and efficacy of Anema in children have not been well established for all formulations and age groups. When used for bowel preparation in children, it should be given only under direct medical supervision using a physician-directed, weight-based protocol. Rectal enema formulations of Anema should generally be avoided in young children (per labeled age restrictions) because of increased risk of electrolyte and fluid absorption relative to body size.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Anema 133 ml Rectal Saline used for?
A: Anema 133 ml Rectal Saline is a saline laxative used for the relief of occasional constipation and, in oral solution form, for cleansing the bowel before procedures such as colonoscopy.
Q: How quickly does Anema 133 ml Rectal Saline work?
A: The oral solution typically produces a bowel movement within 30 minutes to a few hours, while the rectal enema usually works within about 2-5 minutes.
Q: Can I use Anema 133 ml Rectal Saline if I have kidney disease?
A: No. Anema 133 ml Rectal Saline is contraindicated in people with significant kidney impairment because it can cause acute phosphate nephropathy, a serious form of kidney injury. Talk to your physician about safer alternatives if you have kidney disease.
Q: Is it safe to use Anema 133 ml Rectal Saline every day?
A: No. Anema 133 ml Rectal Saline is intended for occasional, short-term use only. Using it repeatedly or exceeding the labeled dose can cause serious, sometimes fatal, electrolyte disturbances and dehydration.
Q: Can pregnant or breastfeeding women use Anema 133 ml Rectal Saline?
A: Anema 133 ml Rectal Saline should be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding only if clearly needed and if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk; consult a physician before use.
Q: What should I do if I think I've taken too much Anema 133 ml Rectal Saline?
A: Seek immediate medical attention or contact emergency services/a poison control center, as overdose can cause serious electrolyte disturbances, dehydration, and kidney injury.
Disclaimer
The information provided is accurate to the best of our knowledge, but it does not replace professional medical advice. We cannot guarantee its completeness or accuracy, and the absence of specific information about a drug should not be taken as an endorsement. We are not responsible for any consequences arising from this information, so please consult a healthcare professional for any concerns or questions.