Enemas are aqueous or oily solutions or suspensions that are employed to evacuate the bowel or for cleansing, therapeutic, and diagnostic purposes. Enemas are usually warmed to body temperature and are administered slowly. They should be stored in a cool place and in complete darkness. An expiry date of only two days after issue is advisable. Sodium chloride, sodium bicarbonate, sodium monohydrogen phosphate, and sodium dihydrogen phosphate are used in enemas.