Important Note

The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.

SODIUM FLUORIDE 0.02% - DENTAL RINSE

(SO-dee-um FLOOR-ide)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Flur-Rinse, Liqui-Flur, Phos-Flur

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.

Drug Interactions

Tell your doctor of any over-the-counter or prescription medication you may use. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

Overdose

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include increased drooling; nausea; stomach pain; vomiting; diarrhea; muscle weakness; shaking; seizures; paleness of the skin; weak, fast heartbeat; shallow, rapid breathing; and extreme thirst.

Notes

Do not share this medication with others.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered; do not take it if it is near the time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

Storage

Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 to 30 degrees C) away from heat and light. As with all medications, keep out of the reach of children.