Microenemas for constipation in a child: a quick solution to the problem or only temporary relief?

Pharmacology

The drug is a laxative. Intended for rectal use. The composition contains several active components that enhance each other’s effect on the human body, helping to soften stool and facilitate the process of defecation.

Sorbitol helps increase the amount of fluid entering the intestinal lumen, which increases the volume of stool and softens it. As a result, the process of defecation is greatly facilitated.

Sodium citrate helps displace fluid from stool.

As a result, water is displaced from the stool and the amount of fluid entering the intestines increases, which significantly facilitates the process of defecation in people who suffer from hemorrhoids and constipation.

The effect of the drug is observed within 5-10 minutes from the moment of using the microenema. But the effect of the drug may depend on the patient’s personal characteristics.

Information on pharmacodynamics is not available.

Gel "Microlax" - a convenient alternative to an enema

Thanks to the special oil solution contained in the gel, cleansing is gentle and quick.

Already 15 minutes after the introduction of the gel into the rectum, a single bowel movement occurs. For constipation, it is recommended to cleanse twice. If the stool is regular, then in most cases one procedure is enough.

It is also convenient that with the help of a mini-enema you can prepare for an examination in almost any environment (at home, at work, etc.). In other words, in any place where there is a toilet room.

For more information about the use of Microlax microenemas, read the article on the page https://alanclinic.ru/proctologiya/podgotovka-k-proctologu/#mikroklizma_mikrolaks

How to use Microlax

The medicine is used rectally. Before giving an enema, you need to wash your hands well and thoroughly clean the area around the anus. The seal must be broken off immediately before insertion. After removing the seal, you need to press on the tube so that the solution comes out. After this, the tip is inserted into the anus and the entire contents of the tube are squeezed out. You need to take out the enema with the walls of the tube compressed.

From the age of 3, the tip must be inserted completely. For younger children, half will be enough. One enema will be enough for a one-time dose.

The frequency of use and dosage can only be determined by a specialist, taking into account the individual characteristics of the patient.

Many people wonder about the emergence of addiction. Doctors say that you should not take the medicine for a long time. If a person has chronic constipation, then it is worth making an appointment with a doctor to undergo an examination and prescribe further treatment.

It is not recommended to take the medicine in parallel with alcoholic beverages.

Reviews about the drug are in most cases positive. In 95% of cases, the treatment takes place without any adverse reactions or discomfort. Parents note that Microlax has a much better and more effective effect on young children than other medications.

When is an enema prohibited?

A complete ban applies in two cases:

• with severe, unbearable pain in the anus;
• with heavy bleeding from the anus.

What to do about pain and bleeding?

If you have pain and bleeding, sign up for a clinic that provides patients with emergency proctological care, including without prior preparation for an appointment with a proctologist.

In most cases, it is possible to get rid of hemorrhoids and its symptoms immediately, on the day of the first treatment. We cleaned the rectum -> received first aid -> underwent diagnostics -> cured hemorrhoids. But in the absence of preliminary cleansing, this chain is broken. Diagnosis becomes impossible, which means treatment is delayed.

Without preparation, you will be given first aid for hemorrhoids: pain and/or bleeding will be eliminated. Then, as soon as the symptoms become less pronounced, you will be advised to come back with a cleansed intestine to undergo a comprehensive examination and treatment.

Analogs

To date, no drugs have been developed that could be classified as analogues of the active component. But there are analogues that are similar in the principle of influence and the list of indications for use. These products include glycerin suppositories, which can be given to adults and children from infancy. The cost of many analogues is lower.

Analogs based on the principle of action also include Glycerin and Norgalax. These drugs also have a laxative effect and are used rectally. Glycerin is also available in solution form for topical and external use.

How to give an enema

Before the examination, it is recommended to do an enema twice:

1. the evening before the doctor's visit;
2. in the morning three to four hours before the examination.

To carry out the procedure at home, you need to buy an Esmarch mug at any pharmacy. It is a rubber heating pad with a long tube and a smooth tip. The latter has a screw to regulate the water pressure.

To avoid injuries to the rectum, mucous membrane and the appearance of anal fissures, we recommend following the instructions, which you will find at the link https://alanclinic.ru/proctologiya/podgotovka-k-proctologu/#klizma_kruzhka_esmarha

If you can’t give an enema yourself

Most people cope with the cleansing procedure without difficulty. If any difficulties arise, there are several ways to solve them:

1. Enlist the help of someone close to you.
2. Use the medicated mini-enema "Microlax".
3. Get trained directly at the clinic. Many modern private medical centers provide this service. If this is important to you, clarify this nuance when making an appointment with a proctologist.

Special conditions

A sealed tube of Microlax should be stored at a temperature no higher than 25 degrees. It can be stored in the refrigerator, but before giving the enema, it is better to warm it to room temperature. The shelf life of the medicine from the date of release is 5 years.

If the medicine is not completely used, it should be thrown away immediately, since the therapeutic activity of the contents when the package is opened is significantly reduced.

You should not get carried away with frequent mini-enemas. The manufacturer recommends using Microlax 1 or, at least, 2 times a day. Increasing the frequency of delivery of the rectal remedy leads to the development of “lazy bowel syndrome”.

This is a condition in which peristalsis occurs only after stimulation of the receptors. For persistent and prolonged constipation, it is necessary to undergo an examination to determine the main cause of the problem, and then, based on it, select a treatment.

Providing microenemas for children

Preparing a child for the administration of Microlax is practically no different from the recommendations for adults. The baby also needs to wash the anus area and dry it. Be sure that mom or dad needs to thoroughly disinfect their hands. For children over 3 years old, the tip of the tube is inserted completely.

Children under three years old need to insert the applicator halfway, that is, up to the mark marked in the middle of the pipette.

The dosage for young children is selected individually, but usually pediatricians advise children under 3 years to administer half the contents of the tube.

Before the procedure, you need to put the baby on his tummy and bend his legs at the knees. The tip is inserted carefully, without sudden movements. After squeezing out, the compressed tube is removed. Then the child needs to squeeze the buttocks, this will prevent the solution from escaping before it begins to work. To enhance the effect, you can do a light tummy massage in a clockwise direction.

Constipation in children

Constipation is a common problem in children (up to 53%)1, impairing quality of life2. Symptoms of constipation include: a decrease in the frequency of the child going to the toilet less than 3 times a week; hard, scanty stool; a feeling of incomplete emptying of the intestines and the need for additional efforts (prolonged, sometimes unsuccessful straining) 3. Constipation can also contribute to the occurrence of pain, inflammation of the intestines, changes in its microflora and decreased immunity3.

Treatment of hemorrhoids at Alan Clinic

• All medical institutions provide non-surgical hardware treatment for hemorrhoids.
• All our clinics are equipped with the most modern equipment from leading Russian and foreign manufacturers.
• The consultation is conducted by proctologists who have many years of practical experience in treating hemorrhoids of all stages, types and forms.
• We accept adult patients over 18 years of age for diagnosis and treatment in the following cities: Moscow, Kazan, Izhevsk, Cheboksary.
• Most of our patients get rid of hemorrhoids in just 1 - 3 visits to the proctologist. Therefore, out-of-town patients often come to us.
• We work on the “All inclusive” principle. Immediately after diagnosis, the doctor selects the optimal course of treatment. The price is fixed in the contract and does not change in the future, even if the patient requires more procedures or drugs than was originally agreed. The cost of the course of treatment includes absolutely everything the patient needs: Local anesthesia;
• Minimally invasive (bloodless) procedures for the treatment of hemorrhoids;
• All necessary drugs for use in the clinic and at home;
• All repeated examinations and consultations with a proctologist;
• Analyzes;
• 24-hour telephone consultations with your doctor or clinic consultants;
• Additional procedures and/or medications to accelerate tissue healing;
• Free observation by a proctologist after completion of the course of treatment.
• If necessary, the course of treatment can be extended at no additional cost.

We'll be happy to help!

To sign up for diagnostics and treatment, select a city and go to the website of the selected clinic.

Water enema or Microlax – which is better?

There is probably no definite answer to this question - the choice always depends on the specific situation. To help you make a choice, we list the pros and cons of each of these methods.

Water enema - pros and cons of use

Advantages:

• A safe method of cleansing the intestines (if carried out carefully and following the instructions).
• Effectively cleanses feces.
• For severe constipation and large hard lumps, exposure to water is the most effective method, since medicinal microenemas may not be effective.
• Low financial costs. To carry out the procedures, you need to buy an Esmarch mug once and use it many times over many years.

Flaws:

• Giving yourself such an enema can be a difficult task, especially if you feel unwell, are very pregnant, have musculoskeletal disorders, or even just have insufficient flexibility in your body. Because of this feature, the procedure can take a long time.
• For some people, this type of procedure causes a feeling of fear or strong hostility.
• Bursting pain and other unpleasant sensations often occur.
• During defecation, the water does not come out completely; some of the liquid remains on the inner walls of the rectum. Therefore, a person constantly feels a false urge to defecate, and with each attempt to empty the contents of the intestines, liquid comes out in small portions, thereby creating certain inconveniences.
• The tip of the Esmarch mug requires disinfection after each use to avoid accidental infection through microscopic damage in the skin of the anus. And if several people in a family use one Esmarch mug, then each family member should have their own tip.

Microlax - pros and cons of use

Advantages:

• A safe product recommended even for newborn children, pregnant and lactating women, and the elderly. Of course, in the absence of allergic reactions to the substances contained in the drug.
• There are no bursting pains, since the volume of the gel for a single use is only 5 ml.
• Convenient to use. It is enough to insert the thin tip of the tube into the anus to a shallow depth, squeeze out the gel and carefully remove the tube. Then wait 15 minutes and empty your bowels as usual. If necessary, repeat the procedure using another tube.
• The gel is almost completely thrown out during defecation, so in the future there are no false urges to defecate.
• Easy to use. Almost any capable person, regardless of age, size and health status, can cleanse the intestines on their own, without outside help.
• Sold in almost any pharmacy at affordable prices.
• Each tube is equipped with a disposable tip that does not require disinfection.

Flaws:

• Allergic reactions are possible. When first used, it is recommended to check the reaction by applying a small amount of gel to the elbow area. If an allergic reaction occurs, it will appear within 5 to 30 minutes. In case of a positive allergic reaction, you must immediately take an antihistamine and discontinue further use. To select a different drug, consult an allergist or dermatologist.
• With increased sensitivity, discomfort may occur (itching, burning in the anus or inside the rectum). The discomfort goes away almost immediately after defecation.
• In rare cases, side effects such as abdominal pain and/or loose stools may occur. If these symptoms do not go away on their own within 2-3 hours, you should consult a gastroenterologist. If pain, burning or loose stools are severe, seek emergency medical help.