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 1.1% DENTAL - TOPICAL

(SO-dee-um FLOOR-ide)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Karidium, Karigel, Neutracare, Prevident

Uses

Sodium fluoride makes teeth more resistant to decay and bacteria that cause cavities. This medication is used to prevent cavities. This fluoride supplement is used when the drinking water contains low fluoride levels (less than 0.7 parts per million).

How To Use

This is best used once daily just before bedtime after routine brushing and flossing or as directed by your doctor. Apply a thin ribbon of medicine to a toothbrush and brush thoroughly for 2 minutes or as directed. Adults: after use, spit out excess. For best results, do not eat, drink or rinse for 30 minutes. Age 6 to 16: after use, spit out excess and rinse mouth thoroughly.

Side Effects

Inform your doctor if you experience mouth or gum irritation while using this medication. If your teeth become stained or change color, notify your dentist. Nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea, headache or muscle twitches may occur if this medication is accidentally swallowed. If these symptoms occur, contact your doctor. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: any allergies, kidney problems, joint pain. If you live in an area where the drinking water is fluoridated, inform your doctor. Before using this medicine, tell your doctor if you are pregnant. It is not known if this drug is excreted into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Drug Interactions

Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription medications 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 nausea, vomiting, excess saliva, stomach pain, diarrhea, irritability, seizures, and loss of consciousness.

Notes

Fluoride is found in tea, fluoridated water and fish eaten with bones such as sardines.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, apply it as soon as remembered; do not use 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.