This leaflet contains information about the use of paraldehyde and olive oil enemas in children. It tells you about how the medicine works, how it should be given and possible side effects.

You should read this alongside the leaflet called Medicines for Children – Information for parents and carers.

This information leaflet has been given to you to help you to remember what you have been told by your health professional about this medicine.

An enema is a medicine that is administered into the rectum, also known as the back passage. Paraldehyde is an anti-epileptic medicine that is used for the emergency treatment of epilepsy also known as status epilepticus or treatment of a prolonged seizure or a cluster of seizures. When given rectally seizures will generally stop within around 10-15 minutes. Paraldehyde can cause some irritation so olive oil is added to make it less irritating to the rectum.

1. Check that you have the correct prescribed medication for your child and that it is in date
2. Make sure you wear appropriate gloves and apron
3. Gently shake the bottle of paraldehyde and olive oil enema and open it. Attach the quill to the syringe as you have been shown
4. Insert the tip of the quill into the bottle of paraldehyde and olive oil enema and gently pull the plunger of the syringe until the required dose is drawn up (as per the care plan)
5. Once the required dose is drawn up, remove the syringe and quill from the bottle and point the nozzle of the quill upwards. Get rid of any excess air and bubbles by gently tapping the syringe and then pushing the plunger up until all of the air is gone. Use as soon as possible as the medication will melt the plastic
6. Check the side of the syringe to make sure that the correct amount of enema is drawn up
7. Apply a small amount of lubricating jelly to the tip of the quill
8. While your child is laid on their left side gently insert the quill into their rectum until you feel resistance or 1-1.5 inch and slowly press the syringe plunger until all of the medicine has been administered
9. Wipe away any excess medication from your child’s rectum to prevent any irritation
10. The buttocks should be held together for about 2 minutes to make sure the medicine is absorbed
11. Dispose of unused medicine safely as directed by your medical professional. You should use a new bottle each time you need to give your child the enema. If opened and not used please discard

•  Do not use if your child is allergic to either paraldehyde or olive oil. Please tell your medical professional if this is the case
•  Do not use the paraldehyde and olive oil enema if it has a brownish colour or smells like vinegar when you open the bottle. Discard immediately and inform your medical professional

Paraldehyde does not usually cause any side-effects however you may notice the following:

•  Your child may have a rash around their back passage, or the skin may feel sore for a short time
•  Your child’s breath will smell different for some hours after the paraldehyde has been given. This is because of the way paraldehyde is broken down in the body and is nothing to worry about

Please report any side effects to your healthcare professional.

Please follow your child’s individual rescue medication plan.

Paraldehyde does not affect any medicines usually used in children. It should not be given with alcohol because it can increase the amount of drowsiness caused by the paraldehyde. Tell your health professional about all the other medicines that your child takes. This includes medicines prescribed by another health professional as well as medicines bought from a pharmacy or supermarket and any herbal medicines.

Paraldehyde and olive oil enema should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

It is important that all medicines are stored out of reach of children.

This medicine is only available from the hospital pharmacy. If you need a replacement supply, please contact your child’s health professional for a prescription.

The leaflet called Medicines for Children – Information for parents and carers tells you more about medicine licensing regulations and why unlicensed medicines are sometimes prescribed for children.

Paraldehyde and olive oil enema does not have a license for use in the UK because it is made by a specials product manufacturer. A ‘special product’ refers to an unlicensed medicine that has been manufactured specifically to meet the clinical need of individual patients. Paraldehyde injection, which is used to make the enema, is licensed for emergency treatment of epileptic seizures also known as status epilepticus. You should be reassured that your health professional will have thought carefully about which medicine is best for your child and the use of unlicensed treatments in children is common in the UK.

If you have any further questions, please contact your Health professional:

Children’s Epilepsy Nurse Specialist

Tel: 01274 365887

Monday-Friday 9.00am – 5.00pm

Outside of these hours please leave a voicemail and a member of the team will respond on the next working day.