What do Fleet products treat?
Most Fleet products are used to treat constipation. Constipation is when it is hard for you to poop or you poop less often than what is normal for you.
Some Fleet products may also help with fecal impaction. This is when your poop is too hard to push out. Your doctor might also tell you to use a Fleet product to help remove a contrast dye from your body after certain medical tests.
Fleet products are available in two main forms:
- By-mouth products: These are softgels, tablets, or a liquid you swallow.
- Rectal products: These are suppositories (placed in the rectum) or enemas (a liquid put into the rectum).
All Fleet laxatives are gluten-free, and all Fleet enemas are latex-free. There are products for adults and children as young as 2 years old.
How Fleet products work
Active Ingredient Type | How It Works to Help You Poop |
|---|---|
Lubricant Laxative (like mineral oil) | It keeps water in your poop and makes your intestines slippery (lubricates them), so the poop can pass easily. |
Stimulant Laxative (like bisacodyl) | It tells the muscles in your intestines to move and pulls water into your poop. This softens the poop and helps push it out. |
Stool Softener (like docusate) | It helps water and fat mix into your poop more easily, which softens it and lets it move through your body better. |
Saline Laxative (like sodium phosphates) | It pulls water into your poop to make it softer. |
Osmotic Laxative (like glycerin) | It pulls water into your poop to make it softer. |
What are the possible side effects of Fleet products?
Side effects depend on the ingredients in the product you use.
- By-mouth products can cause stomach cramps, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, or irritation around your anal area.
- Rectal products can cause rectal burning, stomach pain, bloating, or a strong feeling like you need to poop.
Stop using the medicine if you develop a rash or hives. Get medical help right away if you have signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as trouble breathing or swelling of the face, lips, or throat
What should I know before using Fleet products?
You should stop using any Fleet product and call your health care provider if you have rectal bleeding. You may also call them if you cannot poop after using the medicine. Check the label on your product to know how long you should wait before calling.
Talk to your doctor if you have stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting. Also ask your doctor if you’ve had a sudden change in how often you poop that has lasted for more than two weeks.
Do not use Fleet Saline Enema or Fleet Saline Enema Extra Volume if you have kidney disease, heart problems, or dehydration without talking to your doctor. If you are over 55 years old or on a low-salt diet, ask your doctor before using them. Also, do not use these products for more than three days.
Always check the label before using any over-the-counter medicine. Do not take more than the recommended dose.
There may be side effects, additional warnings, and interactions with other medicines that are not listed here. These may vary depending on the combination of ingredients in the specific Fleet product you are using. Always check the label before taking any over-the-counter medicine. Do not take more than the recommended dose. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about your health conditions and other medicines to help determine which products are safe for you.
Choosing the right Fleet product
To choose the best Fleet product for you, think about how quickly you need relief and the best way to take the medicine.
Quick relief (Rectal products)
These products work the fastest, often in minutes.
Recommended Products | Key Features |
|---|---|
Fleet Saline Enema |
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Fleet Enema Extra |
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Fleet Mineral Oil Enema |
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Fleet Mini Enema |
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Fleet Liquid Glycerin Suppositories |
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Fleet Glycerin Suppositories |
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Slower relief (By-mouth products)
Recommended Products | Key Features |
|---|---|
Fleet Mineral Oil Laxative |
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Fleet Stimulant Laxative |
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Fleet Stool Softener Oral Laxative |
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