Fluoride
Brand Name(s): ACT®, Advance White®, Aim®, AmerFresh®, AquaFresh®, Charm-Tex®, Clinpro 5000®, Close Up®, Colgate®, Control Rx®, Crest®, Darby®, Dawn Mist®, Denti-Care®, Epiflur®, Fluor-a-Day®, FluoriSHIELD®, Gelato®, Glister®, Kolorz®, Listerine®, Ludent®, Mentadent®, Opalescence®, Oral Defense®, Oral-B®, Ora-Line®, Ortho Guard®, Pepsodent®, Peroxi-Care®, Pro-Den Rx®, Simply White®, Vortex®, Whole Care®, Xylishield®, Zooby®, Colgate® Anticavity and Antigengivitis (as a combination product containing Sodium Fluoride, Triclosan), Colgate® Anticavity and Sensitivity (as a combination product containing Potassium Nitrate, Sodium Fluoride), Crest® Sensitivity (as a combination product containing Potassium Nitrate, Sodium Fluoride), NeutraMaxx 5000® (as a combination product containing Potassium Nitrate, Sodium Fluoride), Prevident 5000® (as a combination product containing Potassium Nitrate, Sodium Fluoride), Sensodyne® (as a combination product containing Potassium Nitrate, Sodium Fluoride); also available genericallyWHY is this medicine prescribed?
Fluoride is used to prevent tooth decay. It is taken up by teeth and helps to strengthen teeth, resist acid, and block the cavity-forming action of bacteria. Fluoride usually is prescribed for children and adults whose homes have water that is not fluoridated (already has fluoride added).
This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
HOW should this medicine be used?
Fluoride comes as a liquid, tablet, and chewable tablet to take by mouth. It usually is taken once daily. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take fluoride exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
The fluoride liquid may be taken straight from the bottle or mixed with cereal, fruit juice, or other foods. Use a dropper or an oral syringe to measure out your dose. Tablets may be dissolved in the mouth, chewed, or added to drinking water or fruit juice. Tablets also may be added to water for use in infant formulas or other food.
Fluoride helps to strengthen teeth and prevent cavities; it is not a substitute for brushing or flossing.
What SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS should I follow?
Before taking fluoride,
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to fluoride, tartrazine (a yellow dye in some processed foods and drugs), or any other drugs.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take while taking while taking fluoride. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
- the following nonprescription products may interact with fluoride: calcium, magnesium, or iron supplements. Be sure to let your doctor and pharmacist know that you are taking these medications before you start taking fluoride. Do not start any of these medications while taking fluoride without discussing with your healthcare provider.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking fluoride, call your doctor.
- tell your doctor if you are on a low-sodium or sodium-free diet.
What SPECIAL DIETARY instructions should I follow?
Do not eat or drink dairy products 1 hour before or 1 hour after taking fluoride.
What should I do IF I FORGET to take a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
What SIDE EFFECTS can this medicine cause?
Fluoride may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if this symptom is severe or does not go away:
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
- unusual increase in saliva
- salty or soapy taste
- stomach pain
- upset stomach
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- rash
- weakness
- tremor
- seizures
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online (https://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch) or by phone (1-800-332-1088).
What should I know about STORAGE and DISPOSAL of this medication?
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).
It is important to keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not child-resistant and young children can open them easily. To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location — one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. https://www.upandaway.org
Unneeded medications should be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children, and other people cannot consume them. However, you should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist or contact your local garbage/recycling department to learn about take-back programs in your community. See the FDA's Safe Disposal of Medicines website (https://goo.gl/c4Rm4p) for more information if you do not have access to a take-back program.
What should I do in case of OVERDOSE?
In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222. Information is also available online at https://www.poisonhelp.org/help. If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be awakened, immediately call emergency services at 911.
What OTHER INFORMATION should I know?
Keep all appointments with your doctor.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
This report on medications is for your information only, and is not considered individual patient advice. Because of the changing nature of drug information, please consult your physician or pharmacist about specific clinical use.
The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. represents that the information provided hereunder was formulated with a reasonable standard of care, and in conformity with professional standards in the field. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. makes no representations or warranties, express or implied, including, but not limited to, any implied warranty of merchantability and/or fitness for a particular purpose, with respect to such information and specifically disclaims all such warranties. Users are advised that decisions regarding drug therapy are complex medical decisions requiring the independent, informed decision of an appropriate health care professional, and the information is provided for informational purposes only. The entire monograph for a drug should be reviewed for a thorough understanding of the drug's actions, uses and side effects. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. does not endorse or recommend the use of any drug. The information is not a substitute for medical care.
AHFS® Patient Medication Information™. © Copyright, 2024. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists®, 4500 East-West Highway, Suite 900, Bethesda, Maryland. All Rights Reserved. Duplication for commercial use must be authorized by ASHP.
Selected Revisions: September 15, 2017.