What is fluoride?
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 other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
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What are the possible side effects of fluoride?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic
reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor if you have any of the following side effects:
Less serious side effects may include:
-
stomach upset;
-
headache; or
-
weakness.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell
your dentist or doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect.
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How should I take fluoride?
Use this medication exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Take this medicine with a full glass of water. Do not take fluoride with milk or other dairy products. Calcium can make it harder for your body to absorb fluoride. 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.
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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 0.7 parts per million (ppm). Before using fluoride, tell your dentist and doctor if you are on a low salt or a salt free diet. You may not be able to use fluoride, or you may need special tests while you are using it. Do not take fluoride with milk, other dairy products, or calcium supplements. Calcium can make it harder for your body to absorb fluoride. Avoid using antacids without your doctor's advice. Use only the specific type of antacid your doctor recommends. Many antacids contain calcium, which can interfere with fluoride absorption.
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What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
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What other drugs will affect fluoride?
There may be other drugs that can interact with fluoride. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.
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What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. Overdose symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea, drooling, numbness or tingling, loss of feeling anywhere in your body, muscle stiffness, or seizure (convulsions).
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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 0.7 parts per million (ppm). Before using fluoride, tell your dentist and doctor if you are on a low salt or a salt free diet. You may not be able to use fluoride, or you may need special tests while you are using it. 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.
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Can I stop taking the medication if I feel better?
As a general rule, you should always take your medications exactly as prescribed and do not change the dosage or stop taking the medication without first discussing it with your healthcare provider.
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I am on so many medications; do I have to take them all?
This is called polypharmacy—many different medications being used at the same time by one person. Sometimes, being on multiple medications is acceptable and appropriate but at other times it may be problematic. If you are receiving your medications from multiple physicians you need to ensure that they all know what medications you are taking. The best way to do this is to make a list of all the medications you are currently using, including all nutritional supplements, homeopathic remedies, vitamins and over-the-counter drugs (if possible, also include all the diseases you have been diagnosed with). Give a copy to every doctor who takes care of you so they have it on file, this way they can avoid duplicating medications and perhaps even try to consolidate some. After every doctor's visit remember to update the list accordingly. Also, as much as you possibly can, try to use the same pharmacy to fill all your prescriptions, this way any potential drug interactions can be caught and averted.
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