DrugindexOnline^{2nd edition}

Generic Name: fluoride topical (FLOOR ide TOP i kal)
Brand Names: Acid Phos Fluor Rinse, ACT Fluoride Rinse, Gel-Kam, Gel-Kam Dental Therapy Pak, Gel-Kam Dentinbloc, Gel-Kam Sensitivity Therapy, Neutracare Mint Gel, Omni Perio-Med, Omni-Med, Oral B Anti-Cavity, Perfect Choice, Perio Med, Phos-Flur, Phosphate Fluoride, Prevident, Prevident 5000 Plus, Stanimax Gel, Stanimax Perio Rinse, Stop

What is fluoride topical?

Fluoride is a substance that strengthens tooth enamel. This helps to prevent dental cavities.

Fluoride topical is used as a medication to prevent tooth decay in patients that have a low level of fluoride topical in their drinking water. Fluoride topical is also used to prevent tooth decay in patients who undergo radiation of the head and/or neck, which may cause dryness of the mouth and an increased incidence of tooth decay.

Fluoride topical may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about fluoride topical?

Do not eat, drink, or rinse your mouth for 30 minutes after using a fluoride topical. Do not swallow fluoride topical. Spit it out after use.

Who should not use fluoride topical?

Fluoride topical should not be used if the level of fluoride topical in the drinking water is greater than 0.7 ppm.

Before using fluoride topical, 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 topical, or you may require special monitoring during treatment.

If you have gum disease, some forms of fluoride topical may be irritating to the gums. Talk to your dentist or doctor if you notice oral irritation.

Talk to your doctor and dentist before using fluoride topical if you are pregnant. Talk to your doctor and dentist before using fluoride topical 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/5 mL strength rinse is not recommended for use as a supplement by children younger than 6 years of age.

How should I use fluoride topical?

Use fluoride topical 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.

Use the fluoride rinse, gel, or pastes immediately after brushing or flossing, just prior to sleep to obtain the maximum effect from fluoride topical, unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

Do not eat, drink, or rinse your mouth for 30 minutes after using fluoride topical. Do not swallow fluoride topical. Spit it out after use. Store fluoride topical at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and use only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not use a double dose of fluoride topical unless your dentist or doctor directs otherwise.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention.

Symptoms of a fluoride topical 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.

What should I avoid while using fluoride topical?

Do not eat, drink, or rinse your mouth for 30 minutes after using fluoride topical.

There are no other restrictions on food, beverages, or activities while using fluoride topical, unless your dentist or doctor directs otherwise.

Fluoride topical side effects

Stop using fluoride topical and seek emergency medical attention if you experience a rare allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your 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 topical. Notify your dentist or doctor if you notice changes in the appearance of your teeth.

Other, less serious side effects have also occurred. Continue to use fluoride topical 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.

What other drugs will affect fluoride topical?

It is not known whether fluoride topical will interact with other medicines. Talk to your dentist, doctor, and pharmacist before taking any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines or herbal/health supplements.

Where can I get more information?

• Your pharmacist has additional information about fluoride topical written for health professionals that you may read.

• 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
• Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. 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.

Copyright 1996-2006 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 2.03. Revision Date: 2/13/04 4:07:49 PM.