arachis oil at a glance
Medicine class
Faecal softener and retention enema
Licensed use
Treatment of faecal impaction
Administration
For rectal use only; warm the container in warm water before use
Important allergy warning
Do not use with allergy to arachis oil, peanuts or soya
What is arachis oil used for?
The selected UK product is licensed for:
Softening faeces in faecal impaction
How does arachis oil work?
The oil coats and softens impacted faeces within the bowel. It is not known to be absorbed and acts locally rather than throughout the body.
How to take arachis oil
Use rectally only and follow the pack instructions or professional guidance.
Warm the container in warm water before use.
Lie on your side with your knees drawn towards your chest.
Insert the nozzle and squeeze gently; never use undue force.
Place the used container back in its carton for disposal.
arachis oil side effects
Common or expected effects
- Local rectal redness, itching or irritation
Get urgent medical advice
- Allergic reaction causing breathing or swallowing difficulty, facial or throat swelling, or a severe itchy raised rash
arachis oil in pregnancy
Enemas are not recommended during pregnancy unless advised by a doctor. Seek professional advice before use if pregnant, planning pregnancy or possibly pregnant.
arachis oil while breastfeeding
Specific breastfeeding safety information is not provided in the SmPC. The patient leaflet advises asking a doctor or pharmacist before use while breastfeeding.
arachis oil interactions
No interactions with other medicines are known for this locally acting enema.
Common questions about arachis oil
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
What is arachis oil enema used for?
It is licensed to treat faecal impaction by softening hard, impacted faeces.
How does arachis oil enema work?
It acts locally in the bowel, coating and softening impacted faeces to help their passage.
Can I use arachis oil enema with a peanut or soya allergy?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.