Fluoride is a substance that strengthens tooth enamel, which helps prevent dental cavities.

Fluoride is used to prevent tooth decay in people whose drinking water contains low levels of fluoride (less than 0.6 parts per million).

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

You should not use fluoride if the level of fluoride in your drinking water is greater than 0.6 parts per million (ppm).

Carefully follow all dosing instructions when giving fluoride to a child.

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Fluoride doses are based on your age and on the fluoride content in your water supply. In general, you do not need to take fluoride if the amount of fluoride in your water is greater than 0.6 ppm.

Carefully follow all dosing instructions when giving this medicine to a child.

Measure liquid medicine carefully. Use the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).

Fluoride liquid (drops) can be taken undiluted, or mixed with liquid or food. Drink or eat this mixture right away. Do not save it for later use.

The chewable tablet may be chewed or dissolved in your mouth before you swallow it. It is best to take this medicine at bedtime after brushing your teeth.

Do not rinse your mouth, and do not eat or drink anything for 30 minutes after taking fluoride.

Take fluoride regularly to get the most benefit.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

You should not use fluoride if the level of fluoride in your drinking water is greater than 0.6 parts per million (ppm).

To determine the amount of fluoride in your water supply, you may contact your local water company. You may also get information about water fluoride content throughout the United States from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Tell your dentist or doctor if:

• you have ever had sores or ulcers in your mouth; or

• you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose symptoms may include sudden burning in your mouth, tongue pain, nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, diarrhea, drooling, or vomiting blood.

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).

It is important to keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not child-resistant and young children can open them easily. To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location – one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. http://www.upandaway.org

Unneeded medications should be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children, and other people cannot consume them. However, you should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist or contact your local garbage/recycling department to learn about take-back programs in your community. See the FDA's Safe Disposal of Medicines website (http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p) for more information if you do not have access to a take-back program.

Do not eat or drink dairy products 1 hour before or 1 hour after taking fluoride.

Avoid eating or drinking dairy products such as milk or yogurt within 1 hour after you take fluoride. Also avoid calcium-fortified juice for 1 hour after taking fluoride.

Ask your doctor before using an antacid or laxative, and use only the type your doctor recommends. The ingredient in some antacids or laxatives can make it harder for your body to absorb fluoride.

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

Fluoride may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• very upset stomach;

• nausea and vomiting; or

• staining, pitting, or any other changes in the appearance of your teeth.

Less serious side effects may be more likely, and you may have none at all.

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.

Keep all appointments with your doctor.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.

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