GENERIC NAME: SODIUM FLUORIDE 0.02% - DENTAL RINSE (SO-dee-um FLOOR-ide)
BRAND NAME(S): Flur-Rinse, Liqui-Flur, Phos-Flur
Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage
USES: Sodium fluoride makes teeth more resistant to decay and bacteria that cause cavities. This medication is used to prevent cavities.
HOW TO USE: This rinse is usually used once or twice a day as directed. It is best used immediately after brushing or flossing the teeth. To use, measure the prescribed amount usually 1 or 2 teaspoonfuls (5 or 10 ml), place it in your mouth and swish it around and between teeth for at least one minute before spitting it out. Do not swallow this unless directed to do so by your doctor or dentist. Avoid eating, drinking or rinsing your mouth for at least 30 minutes after using this to enable the medication to have contact with the teeth.
SIDE EFFECTS: You may produce an excess of saliva. Inform your doctor if you experience mouth or gum irritation while using this medication. Nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea, headache or muscle twitches may occur if this medication is accidentally swallowed. If these symptoms occur, contact your doctor. It is unlikely to occur but if your teeth become stained or change color, notify your dentist. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor if you have any pre-existing illnesses, especially: kidney disease, stomach ulcers, severe joint pain, if you are on a low-salt diet, if you live in an area where the drinking water is fluoridated, any drug allergies. It is important not to continually ingest this drug because the fluoride in tap water may combine to give you too much fluoride and may discolor your teeth. Consult your doctor/dentist about this. Additionally, fluoride can be found in tea and bone-containing fish such as sardines. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant before using this drug. Fluoride is excreted into breast milk. Though, to date, there are no reports of harm to nursing infants when fluoride was used in normal amounts, consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
- Electrolytes - Read about blood electrolytes (sodium, potassium, chloride, and bicorbonate) and the effects of electrolyte imbalances like kidney failure, low blood pressure, hypokalemia, and hyperkalemia.
- Cavities - Learn about tooth cavities (dental cavity) includes causes, treatment, and prevention.
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