Enema (Faecal Softener / Emollient)
Arachis Oil (Peanut Oil)
Brand names: Fleet Enema Oil (arachis oil component), arachis oil enema
Adult dose
Dose: 130 mL rectally, warmed to body temperature, retained for at least 30 minutes
Route: Rectal (enema)
Frequency: As required — usually single dose or as directed
Clinical pearls
- Used to soften and lubricate impacted faeces for evacuation — particularly for faecal impaction with hard constipated stool
- Not a stimulant laxative — does not promote peristalsis; often used the evening before a stimulant enema or bowel washout
- Warm before use (body temperature improves comfort and efficacy)
- ABSOLUTE contraindication in peanut allergy — check allergy history before prescribing
- NICE CKS Constipation: arachis oil enema appropriate for impacted hard stools before stimulant laxative treatment
- Arachis oil is also used as a vehicle/excipient in some topical preparations
Contraindications
- Peanut allergy (arachis oil = peanut oil — anaphylaxis risk)
- Bowel obstruction or perforation
- Inflammatory bowel disease (acute flare — use with caution)
Side effects
- Anal leakage
- Rectal irritation
- Anaphylaxis (peanut-allergic patients — do NOT use)
Interactions
- No significant interactions
Monitoring
- Bowel evacuation achieved
- Patient comfort and rectal examination
- Allergy screen before first use
Reference: BNF; NICE CKS Constipation (2023); https://bnf.nice.org.uk/drugs/arachis-oil/. Verify against your local formulary and the latest BNF before prescribing.
Related
Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.
Calculators