Fluoride is a substance that strengthens tooth enamel. This helps to prevent dental
cavities.
Fluoride is used as a medication to prevent tooth decay in people that have a low level of
fluoride in their drinking water. Fluoride is also used to prevent tooth decay in people who
undergo radiation of the head and/or neck, which may cause dryness of the mouth and an
increased incidence of tooth decay.
Fluoride may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
Take fluoride exactly as directed by your dentist or doctor, or follow the directions on the
prescription bottle. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, dentist,
or doctor to explain them to you.
Swallow the nonchewable fluoride tablets with a full glass of water.
The chewable forms of fluoride can be chewed, swallowed, dissolved in the mouth, added
to drinking water or fruit juice, or added to water for use in infant formula or other food.
The fluoride drops can be taken by mouth undiluted, or mixed with fluid or food.
Do not take fluoride with milk, other dairy products, calcium supplements, or
antacids that contain calcium. Calcium may decrease the absorption of fluoride by the body.
It is important to take fluoride regularly to get the most benefit.
Store fluoride at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Stop taking fluoride and seek emergency medical attention if you experience a rare
allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face;
or hives).
Uncommonly, discoloration or mottling of tooth enamel has been reported with long-term
use and/or large doses of fluoride. Notify your dentist or doctor if you notice changes in the
appearance of the teeth.
Other, less serious side effects have also occurred. Continue to take fluoride and notify
your dentist or doctor if you experience
stomach upset;
headache; or
weakness.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your
dentist and doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
Do not take fluoride with calcium supplements or antacids that contain calcium.
Calcium may decrease the absorption of fluoride by the body.
Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with fluoride. Talk to your dentist,
doctor, and pharmacist before taking any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines,
including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.
Do not take fluoride with milk, other dairy products, calcium supplements, or
antacids that contain calcium. Calcium may decrease the absorption of fluoride by the body.
There are no other restrictions on food, beverages, or activities while taking fluoride,
unless your dentist or doctor directs otherwise.
Symptoms of a fluoride overdose include nausea; vomiting; abdominal pain; diarrhea;
increased salivation or drooling; numbness, tingling, or loss of feeling in a body part; painful
muscle stiffness; seizures; and possibly death with large overdoses.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next
dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double
dose of this medicine unless your dentist or doctor directs otherwise.
Do not take fluoride with milk, other dairy products, calcium supplements, or
antacids that contain calcium. Calcium may decrease the absorption of fluoride by the body.
Fluoride should not be used if the level of fluoride in the drinking water is greater
than 0.7 ppm.
Before taking this medication, tell your dentist and doctor if you are on a low salt or a salt
free diet. You may not be able to take fluoride, or you may require special monitoring during
treatment.
Talk to your doctor and dentist before taking fluoride if you are pregnant or could
become pregnant during treatment.
Talk to your doctor and dentist before taking fluoride if you are breast-feeding.
The American Dental Association’s Council on Dental Therapeutics recommends the
use of fluoride by children up to 13 years of age; the American Academy of Pediatrics
recommends fluoride supplementation by children until the age of 16 years of age. The 1 mg
tablets should not be used by children younger than 3 years of age or when the drinking water
fluoride content is equal to or greater than 0.3 ppm.
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share
your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed
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The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions,
or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.
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