Type of medicine: dental preparation; mineral
Generic and brand names: sodium fluoride, oral; ACT; ACT Plus; ACT x2; CaviRinse; ControlRx; Denta 5000 Plus; DentaGel; Epiflur; EtheDent; Fluor-A-Day; Fluorabon; Fluorigard; Fluorinse; Fluoritab; Flura-Drops; Gel-Kam; Lozi-Flur; Luride; Luride Lozi-tab; Ludent; NaFrinse; NeutraCare; NeutraGard Advanced; NeutraGard Plus; NeutraGard Omni Gel; Phos-Flur; Prevident; Prevident 5000 Plus; StanGard Perio; StanGard; Stop (There may be other brand names for this medicine.)
This medicine is taken by mouth to help prevent cavities. Fluoride is usually present in drinking water. However, in some areas the level of fluoride in the water is not high enough to prevent cavities.
It may be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:
Talk with your provider before taking this medicine if the drinking water in your area has fluoride in it.
Females of childbearing age: Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.
Check the label on the medicine for directions about your specific dose. This medicine works best if it is taken at bedtime, after the teeth have been thoroughly brushed. Do not take calcium or eat or drink milk or milk products such as cheese and yogurt within 2 hours of using this medicine.
If you have the chewable tablets, chew or crush the tablets before swallowing. If you have the liquid drops, use the dropper that comes with the medicine.
Do not swallow sodium fluoride rinse, cream, gel, or paste. Spit it out after use. Do not eat, drink, or rinse your mouth for 30 minutes after using these forms of this medicine.
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and use the next one as directed. Do not use double doses. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, or if you miss more than one dose, contact your healthcare provider.
If you or anyone else has intentionally taken too much of this medicine, call 911 or go to the emergency room right away. If you pass out, have seizures, weakness or confusion, or have trouble breathing, call 911. If you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much of this medicine, call the poison control center. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning. The poison control center number is 800-222-1222.
Symptoms of an acute overdose may include: drooling, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle weakness, seizures, breathing that stops.
Take this medicine exactly as your healthcare provider prescribes. Do not take more or less or take it longer than prescribed. Too much fluoride can cause white patches or yellow or brown spots on the teeth.
If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are taking this medicine.
Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.
Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away). If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; chest pain or tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).
Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Unexplained bone pain; seizures; mouth or lip sores; black, tarry, or bloody stools; severe stomach cramps; discoloration of teeth; severe diarrhea; severe weakness, tremors.
Other: Stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, increased watering of mouth, rash.
When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking:
If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.
Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.
This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.
Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Do not share medicines with other people.
