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fluoride
fluoride
What is the most important information I should know about fluoride?
What is the most important information I should know about fluoride?
You should not use fluoride if the level of fluoride in your drinking water is greater than 0.6 parts per million (ppm).
Carefully follow all dosing instructions when giving this medicine to a child.
What is fluoride?
What is fluoride?
Fluoride is a substance that strengthens tooth enamel, which helps prevent dental cavities.
Fluoride is used to prevent tooth decay in people whose drinking water contains low levels of fluoride (less than 0.6 parts per million).
Fluoride may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking fluoride?
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking fluoride?
You should not use fluoride if the level of fluoride in your drinking water is greater than 0.6 parts per million (ppm).
To determine the amount of fluoride in your water supply, you may contact your local water company. You may also get information about water fluoride content throughout the United States from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Tell your dentist or doctor if:
- you have ever had sores or ulcers in your mouth; or
- you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
How should I take fluoride?
How should I take fluoride?
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
Fluoride doses are based on your age and on the fluoride content in your water supply. In general, you do not need to take this medicine if the amount of fluoride in your water is greater than 0.6 ppm.
Carefully follow all dosing instructions when giving this medicine to a child.
Measure liquid medicine carefully. Use the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).
Fluoride liquid (drops) can be taken undiluted, or mixed with liquid or food. Drink or eat this mixture right away. Do not save it for later use.
The chewable tablet may be chewed or dissolved in your mouth before you swallow it. It is best to take this medicine at bedtime after brushing your teeth.
Do not rinse your mouth, and do not eat or drink anything for 30 minutes after taking fluoride.
Take fluoride regularly to get the most benefit.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.
What happens if I overdose?
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
Overdose symptoms may include sudden burning in your mouth, tongue pain, nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, diarrhea, drooling, or vomiting blood.
What should I avoid while taking fluoride?
What should I avoid while taking fluoride?
Avoid eating or drinking dairy products such as milk or yogurt within 1 hour after you take fluoride. Also avoid calcium-fortified juice for 1 hour after taking fluoride.
Ask your doctor before using an antacid or laxative, and use only the type your doctor recommends. The ingredient in some antacids or laxatives can make it harder for your body to absorb fluoride.
What are the possible side effects of fluoride?
What are the possible side effects of fluoride?
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
- very upset stomach;
- nausea and vomiting; or
- staining, pitting, or any other changes in the appearance of your teeth.
Less serious side effects may be more likely, and you may have none at all.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What other drugs will affect fluoride?
What other drugs will affect fluoride?
Some medicines can make fluoride much less effective when taken at the same time. If you take any of the following medicines, take your fluoride dose 1 hour before you take the other medicine:
- an antacid;
- a laxative; or
- a multivitamin or mineral supplement that contains calcium, aluminum, or magnesium.
Other drugs may affect fluoride, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.
Where can I get more information?
Where can I get more information?
Your pharmacist can provide more information about fluoride.
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.
Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.
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