Chemical Colitis Induced by Low-dose Hydrogen Peroxide Enema in a Cocaine User

Abstract

Home remedies are usually cheap options to alleviate conditions commonly used prior to patients seeking medical advice for their problems, and are sometimes the only option for some populations that have otherwise no healthcare access. Hydrogen peroxide enemas appear to be an easily accessible solution to constipation, with "how to guides" found ubiquitously on the Internet. To our knowledge there are a few case reports exposing its complications. Our case reports complications in a patient who used a lower than average dose of a hydrogen peroxide enema, albeit compounded by cocaine abuse. Our experience suggests that the risks of concurrent use of cocaine and hydrogen peroxide enemas can lead to dangerous vasoconstriction, decreased blood flood to the bowel mucosa, and might lead to significant complications to otherwise tolerable doses of corrosive agents.