SODIUM FLUORIDE

Brand & Generic Names

Denta-Fl
Flo-Tab
Fluor-A-Day
Fluorident
Fluoritab
Fluorodex
Flura
Karidium
Luride
Luride-SF
Nafeen
Pediaflor
Pedi-Dent
Solu-Flur
Stay-Flo
Studaflor
Thera-Flur
Numerous other multiple vitam	in-mineral supplements. Check
labels.

Basic Information

• Habit forming? No
• Prescription needed? Yes
• Available as generic? No
• Drug class: Mineral supplement (fluoride)

Uses

• Reduces tooth cavities.
• Treatment for osteoporosis.

Dosage & Usage Information

How to take:
Tablet--Swallow with liquid or crumble tablet and take with liquid (not milk) or food.
Liquid--Measure with dropper and take directly or with liquid.
Chewable tablets--Chew slowly and thoroughly before swallowing.

When to take:
Usually at bedtime after teeth are thoroughly brushed.

If you forget a dose:
Take as soon as you remember. Don't double a forgotten dose. Return to schedule.

What drug does:
Provides supplemental fluoride to combat tooth decay.

Time lapse before drug works:
8 weeks to provide maximum effect.

Don't take with:
Other medicine simultaneously.
See Interaction Section.

Overdose

SYMPTOMS:
Stomach cramps or pain, nausea, faintness, vomiting (possibly bloody), diarrhea, black stools, shallow breathing, muscle spasms, seizures, arrhythmias.

WHAT TO DO:

• Dial 911 (emergency) or O (operator) for an ambulance or medical help. Then give first aid immediately.
• See EMERGENCY Information.

Possible Adverse Reactions or Side Effects

Life-threatening:

In case of overdose, see Overdose section.

Common:

Constipation, appetite loss.

Infrequent:

• Rash.
• Tooth discoloration.

Rare:

• Severe upsets (digestive) only with overdose.
• Sores in mouth and lips, aching bones, stiffness.

Warnings & Precautions

Don't take if:

• Your water supply contains 0.7 parts fluoride per million. Too much fluoride stains teeth permanently.
• You are allergic to any fluoride-containing product.
• You have underactive thyroid.

Before you start, consult your doctor:

• If you have kidney disease.
• If you have ulcers.
• If you have joint pain.

Over age 60:
No problems expected.

Pregnancy:
No problems expected. Consult doctor.

Breast-feeding:
No problems expected. Consult doctor.

Infants & children:
No problems expected except accidental overdose. Keep vitamin- mineral supplements out of children's reach.

Prolonged use:
Excess may cause discolored teeth and decreased calcium in blood.

Skin & sunlight:
No problems expected.

Driving, piloting or hazardous work:
No problems expected.

Discontinuing:
No problems expected.

Others:

• Store in original plastic container. Fluoride decomposes glass.
• Some products contain tartrazine dye. Avoid, especially if you are allergic to aspirin.

Possible Interaction with Other Drugs

GENERIC NAME	COMBINED EFFECT
------------------------	-----------------------
Calcium supplements*	Decreased effect of calcium and
	fluoride.

Possible Interaction with Other Substances

INTERACTS WITH	COMBINED EFFECT
---------------	---------------
Alcohol:	None expected.
Milk.	Prevents absorption of fluoride.
	Space dose 2 hours before or after
	milk.
Cocaine:	None expected.
Foods:	None expected.
Marijuana:	None expected.
Tobacco:	None expected.