Fluoride

(FLOR ide)

Is it safe for my child to take this drug?

• Do not give the 1 mg tablet to a child younger than 3 years of age.
• Do not give the rinse (1 mg in a teaspoon) to a child younger than 6 years of age.
• Not if your child has an allergy to fluoride or any other part of this drug.
• Be sure to let the doctor know if your child has any allergies or side effects to drugs, foods, or dyes. Make sure to tell about the allergy and what signs your child had. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other signs.
• Not if your child is on a low-salt or salt-free diet.
• Not if the fluoride in your child's drinking water is greater than 0.7 parts per million.

Why does my child need this drug?

• This supplement is used to stop cavities.

How is this drug given?

• Lozenge, drops:
• Give this drug with or without food. Give with food if it causes an upset stomach.
• Melt the tablets in the mouth, chew them, swallow them whole, or add them to water or fruit juice. Add to water for use in infant formulas.
• There is a liquid (drops) if your child cannot swallow pills.
• Children who have feeding tubes may also use the liquid. Flush the feeding tube before and after this drug is given. Give alone or mix with liquids or food.
• Chewable tablet:
• Give this drug with or without food. Give with food if it causes an upset stomach.
• Chewable tablet may be crushed and mixed with food or chewed. Do not swallow it whole.
• It may be mixed with water or fruit juice.
• Give at bedtime.
• Rinse, gel:
• Give at bedtime.
• Have your child brush with this drug for 2 minutes and then spit out.
• Do not let your child swallow this drug.
• If using the rinse, have your child swish around for 1 minute before spitting out.
• Have your child rinse out mouth after each use.
• Some products are used every day while others are used 1 time week. Follow what you have been told by your doctor.

What do I do if my child misses a dose?

• Give a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
• If it is close to the time for your child's next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your child's normal time.
• Do not give 2 doses or extra doses.
• Do not change the dose or stop your child's drug. Talk with your child's doctor.

What safety measures do I need to take when my child is using this drug?

• Check all drugs your child is taking with your child's doctor. This drug may not mix well with some other drugs.
• Keep a list of all your child's drugs (prescription, natural products, vitamins, OTC) with you. Give this list to your child's doctor.
• Do not give oral drug with milk, other dairy products, calcium, magnesium, or iron.
• Take care of your child's teeth. See a dentist often.

What are some side effects of this drug?

• Upset stomach or throwing up. Many small meals and good mouth care may help. Older children may suck hard, sugar-free candy.
• Tooth staining.

When do I need to call my child's doctor?

• If any of this news causes you to be worried, any of the unwanted side effects happen, or if your child is not better after taking this drug.
• If you think there has been an overdose, call 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center (http://www.aapcc.org), or emergency room (ER) right away.http://www.aapcc.org), or emergency room (ER) right away.
• If your child shows signs of a very bad reaction, call your child's doctor or the ER right away. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; seizures; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or if your child is not acting normal.
• If your child has a very bad upset stomach or is throwing up.
• If your child gets a rash.
• If your child’s health problem does not get better or if you believe your child’s health problem is worse.

How do I store and/or throw out this drug?

• Store at room temperature.
• Store in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.

General drug facts

• If your child has a very bad allergy, he/she needs to wear an allergy ID at all times.
• Your child may only get some products of this drug by drug order. If there are refills, call your pharmacy. If no refills are left, you may need to call your child's doctor.
• Get rid of this drug when your child no longer needs it or if the drug is outdated.
• If you have any questions about this drug, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• In Canada, take any unused drugs to the pharmacy. Also, visit http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hl-vs/iyh-vsv/med/disposal-defaire-eng.php#th to learn about the right way to get rid of unused drugs.http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hl-vs/iyh-vsv/med/disposal-defaire-eng.php#th to learn about the right way to get rid of unused drugs.
• Do not share your child's drug with others and do not give anyone else's drug to your child.
• Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Keep a list of all your child's drugs (prescription, natural products, vitamins, OTC) with you. Give this list to your child's doctor.
• These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
• Talk with the doctor before giving your child any new drug, including OTC, natural products, or vitamins.
• If you do not use a drug the right way, it may not be safe. Follow what your child’s doctor tells you.

This information should not be used to decide whether or not to take this medicine or any other medicine. Only your healthcare provider has the knowledge and training to decide which medicines are right for you. This information does not endorse any medicine as safe, effective, or approved for treating any patient or health condition. This is only a brief summary of general information about this medicine. It does NOT include all information about the possible uses, directions, warnings, precautions, interactions, adverse effects, or risks that may apply to this medicine. This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your healthcare provider. You must talk with your healthcare provider for complete information about the risks and benefits of using this medicine.

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