Medications and Drugs

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Brand Names: Altaflor, Ethedent Chewable, Fluor-A-Day, Fluoritab, Flura-Drops, Flura-Loz, Flura-Tab, Karidium, Lozi-Flur, Luride, Nafrinse, Pharmaflur, Pharmaflur 1.1

Generic Name: fluoride (Pronunciation: FLOR ide)

• What is fluoride (Altaflor, Ethedent Chewable, Fluor-A-Day, Fluoritab, Flura-Drops, Flura-Loz, Flura-Tab, Karidium, Lozi-Flur, Luride, Nafrinse, Pharmaflur, Pharmaflur 1.1)?
• What are the possible side effects of fluoride?
• What is the most important information I should know about fluoride?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking fluoride?
• How should I take fluoride?
• What happens if I miss a dose?
• What happens if I overdose?
• What should I avoid while taking fluoride?
• What other drugs will affect fluoride?
• Where can I get more information?

What is fluoride (Altaflor, Ethedent Chewable, Fluor-A-Day, Fluoritab, Flura-Drops, Flura-Loz, Flura-Tab, Karidium, Lozi-Flur, Luride, Nafrinse, Pharmaflur, Pharmaflur 1.1)?

Fluoride is a substance that strengthens tooth enamel. This helps to prevent dental cavities.

Fluoride is used as a medication to prevent tooth decay in people that have a low level of fluoride in their drinking water. Fluoride is also used to prevent tooth decay in people who undergo radiation of the head and/or neck, which may cause dryness of the mouth and an increased incidence of tooth decay.

Fluoride may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Ethedent Chewable 0.25 mg

round, yellow, vanilla, imprinted with 432, ETH

Ethedent Chewable 0.5 mg

round, white, grape, imprinted with 433, ETH

Ethedent Chewable 1 mg

round, red, cherry, imprinted with 434, ETH

Fluoride 1 mg-TEV

round, pink, imprinted with COPLEY 131

Luride 0.25 mg

round, yellow, imprinted with 186, COP

What are the possible side effects of fluoride?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor if you have any of the following side effects:

• discolored teeth;
• weakened tooth enamel; or
• any changes in the appearance of your teeth.

Less serious side effects may include:

• stomach upset;
• headache; or
• weakness.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about fluoride?

You should not use fluoride if the level of fluoride in your drinking water is greater than 0.7 parts per million (ppm).

Before using fluoride, tell your dentist and doctor if you are on a low salt or a salt free diet. You may not be able to use fluoride, or you may need special tests while you are using it.

Do not take fluoride with milk, other dairy products, or calcium supplements. Calcium can make it harder for your body to absorb fluoride.

Avoid using antacids without your doctor's advice. Use only the specific type of antacid your doctor recommends. Many antacids contain calcium, which can interfere with fluoride absorption.

Need help identifying pills and medications?
Use the pill finder tool on RxList.