SODIUM FLUORIDE

Description: Sodium fluoride, a mineral, is a cariostatic agent that is used to strengthen teeth and decrease the effects of acid and bacteria in the teeth.

Pharmacokinetics:
Absorption: Well-absorbed from the GI tract. Inhaled fluorides are absorbed through the lungs.
Distribution: Crosses the placenta and enters the breast milk. Deposited mainly in teeth and bones but also present in saliva, nails and hair.
Excretion: Mainly in the urine, with small amounts appearing in sweat and faeces. Description: Sodium fluoride is a cariostatic agent that is used to prevent dental caries. It can also be used as a source of fluoride in total parenteral nutrition.

Uses

Indications:

This medication is used to prevent cavities.

Contraindications:

This medication is not recommended for use in infants less than 6 months of age.

This medication is not recommended for use in areas where the fluoride content in the water supply is greater than 0.6 parts per million.

How to use sodium fluoride:

Take this medication by mouth, usually once daily as directed by your doctor/dentist.
If you are using the liquid form, measure the dose carefully using the specially marked medicine dropper that is provided. It may be added to a small amount of juice, or mixed with a small amount of food such as applesauce. Do not mix with food containing milk or other dairy products.
If you are using the chewable form of this medication, chew or dissolve it in the mouth before swallowing so that the teeth will also absorb the fluoride.
If you are using the lozenge, place the lozenge in your mouth and allow it to dissolve. Take the chewable medication or lozenge at bedtime after brushing your teeth or as directed by your doctor/dentist. For best results, do not rinse your mouth, eat, or drink for 30 minutes after taking these forms of the medication.
Take this medication 1 hour apart from products that contain calcium, aluminum, or magnesium. Some examples include dairy products (such as milk, yogurt), antacids, laxatives, and vitamins/minerals. These products can bind with fluoride, preventing its full absorption.

Warnings

Not available.

Side Effects

Remember that your doctor/dentist has prescribed this medicine because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Common side effects:

stomach upset may occur.
stained or pitted teeth

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor/dentist or pharmacist.

Precautions

Precautions:

Allergy: Before taking this medication, tell your doctor/dentist or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies.
Medical History: Before using this medication, tell your doctor/dentist or pharmacist if you had: mouth problems (e.g., sores, mucositis).

Pregnancy Risk: Not classified. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant before using this medication.

Breastfeeding: This medication passes into breast milk. While there have been no reports of harm to nursing infants, consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Interactions:

Before using this medication, tell your doctor/dentist or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use.

Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.

Overdose & Brands

Overdose:

If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately.

Symptoms of overdose may include:

burning in the mouth,
sore tongue,
nausea,
vomiting,
diarrhea,
increased saliva,
stomach pain/cramping,
muscle weakness,
shaking,
seizures

Notes

Do not share this medication with others.

Taking this medication does not replace good dental habits. Continue to brush and floss your teeth regularly as directed by your dentist, and have regular dental checkups.

Check the fluoride content of your water supply by asking local town or city officials. Fluoride supplements are not necessary if the fluoride content in the water supply is greater than 0.6 parts per million. If your water supply changes or if you move, check with your doctor or dentist to determine if extra fluoride is still necessary.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Storage

Store at room temperature between 68-77 degrees F (20-25 degrees C) away from heat and moisture. Store the liquid form in the original plastic container. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.

Brands:

There are no brands containing this molecule.