Acidulated Phosphate Fluoride dental rinse or gel

To return to the main entry click here.

What is Acidulated Phosphate Fluoride dental rinse or gel?

ACIDULATED PHOSPHATE FLUORIDE (Phos-Flur® Gel, Phos-Flur® Rinse, and many others) dental gel and rinse provide sodium fluoride, which is a mineral that strengthens tooth enamel. Fluoride helps to prevent dental decay. Do not use acidulated phosphate fluoride rinse or gel unless your dentist recommends it for you. Ask your dentist for advice, especially if you move to a new area where the amount of fluoride in the water may be different. Generic acidulated phosphate fluoride rinse and gel are available.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
• dry mouth
• porcelain or ceramic denture(s)
• Sjogren's syndrome
• stained, mottled, or pitted teeth
• stomach or intestinal disease
• an unusual reaction to fluoride, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should this medicine be used?

Gel: Acidulated phosphate fluoride dental gel is applied to the teeth. Follow these instructions unless otherwise instructed by your dental professional: After brushing thoroughly with toothpaste, rinse as usual. Adults and children age 6 years of age or older should apply a thin ribbon of gel to the teeth with a toothbrush or mouth tray for at least 1 minute. Do this once daily, preferably at bedtime. After using, adults should spit out the gel and do not eat, drink or rinse for 30 minutes for best results. Do not reuse the rinse or gel if you forget. Waiting to eat and drink may help the acidulated phosphate fluoride work a little better. Children 6—16 years of age should spit out the gel after use and rinse their mouth thoroughly with water. DO NOT SWALLOW the dental gel.

Rinse: Acidulated phosphate fluoride dental rinse is applied to the teeth. Follow these instructions unless otherwise instructed by your dental professional: After brushing thoroughly with toothpaste, rinse as usual. Adults and children age 6 years of age or older should vigorously swish 10 ml of the rinse between the teeth for 1 minute. Do this once daily, preferably at bedtime. After using, spit the rinse out. Do not eat, drink or rinse for 30 minutes for best results. Do not reuse the rinse or gel if you forget. Waiting to eat and drink may help the acidulated phosphate fluoride work a little better. Children should be shown how to swish the solution around the teeth and to spit out the rinse to prevent swallowing the solution. DO NOT SWALLOW the dental rinse.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, this is not harmful. Use the rinse or gel the next chance you get. Do not use double or extra doses.

What drug(s) may interact with Acidulated Phosphate Fluoride?

No drug interactions have been reported.

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking Acidulated Phosphate Fluoride?

This product may reduce your risk of dental cavities. Continue to follow proper dental hygiene, such as regular brushing and flossing. See your dentist for regular checkups.

If the rinse or gel is accidently swallowed, contact a Poison Control Center immediately. Also, prolonged daily ingestion can cause abnormal tooth enamel. Enamel is the hard part on the outside of the tooth. Immediately report any signs of abnormal tooth color or staining or spotting of the teeth.

What side effects may I notice from receiving Acidulated Phosphate Fluoride?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
• black, tarry stools
• difficulty breathing
• hives
• mottled or discolored teeth
• nausea or vomiting
• skin rash or itching
• sores in the mouth or on the lips
• stomach pain
• unusual weakness

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
• mild burning or gum irritation

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.

Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

Important Disclaimer: The drug information provided here is for educational purposes only. It is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the diagnosis, treatment and advice of a medical professional. This drug information does not cover all possible uses, precautions, side effects and interactions. It should not be construed to indicate that this or any drug is safe for you. Consult your medical professional for guidance before using any prescription or over the counter drugs.