DrugindexOnline^{2nd edition}

Generic Name: fluoride (FLOOR ide)
Brand Names: Altaflor, Fluor-A-Day, Fluorabon, Fluoritab, Fluorodex, Flura-Drops, Flura-Loz, Flura-Tab, Karidium, Luride, Luride-SF, Pediaflor Drops, Pharmaflur

What is Altaflor (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 purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about Altaflor (fluoride)?

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.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Altaflor (fluoride)?

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.

How should I take Altaflor (fluoride)?

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.

What happens if I miss a dose?

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.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention.

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.

What should I avoid while taking Altaflor (fluoride)?

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.

Altaflor (fluoride) side effects

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.

What other drugs will affect Altaflor (fluoride)?

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.

Where can I get more information?

• Your pharmacist has additional information about fluoride 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: 2.05. Revision Date: 3/15/06 7:25:57 PM.