Karidium

 
Generic Name: fluoride

Brands: Altaflor, Fluor-A-Day, Fluorabon, Fluoritab, Fluorodex, Flura-Drops, Flura-Loz, Flura-Tab, Karidium, Liqui-Flur, Luride, Luride-SF, Pediaflor Drops, Pharmaf

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

· Do not take Karidium with milk, other dairy products, calcium supplements, or antacids that contain calcium. Calcium may decrease the absorption of Karidium by the body.

 

What is Karidium?

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

· Karidium is used as a medication to prevent tooth decay in people that have a low level of Karidium in their drinking water. Karidium 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.

· Karidium may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

 

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Karidium?

· Karidium should not be used if the level of Karidium in the drinking water is greater than 0.7 ppm.

· Before taking this medication, tell your dentist and doctor if you are on a low salt or a salt free diet. You may not be able to take Karidium, or you may require special monitoring during treatment.

· Talk to your doctor and dentist before taking Karidium if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.

· Talk to your doctor and dentist before taking Karidium if you are breast-feeding.

· The American Dental Association's Council on Dental Therapeutics recommends the use of Karidium by children up to 13 years of age; the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends Karidium supplementation by children until the age of 16 years of age. The 1 mg tablets should not be used by children younger than 3 years of age or when the drinking water Karidium content is equal to or greater than 0.3 ppm.

 

How should I take Karidium?

· Take Karidium exactly as directed by your dentist or doctor, or follow the directions on the prescription bottle. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, dentist, or doctor to explain them to you.

· Swallow the nonchewable Karidium tablets with a full glass of water.

· The chewable forms of Karidium can be chewed, swallowed, dissolved in the mouth, added to drinking water or fruit juice, or added to water for use in infant formula or other food.

· The Karidium drops can be taken by mouth undiluted, or mixed with fluid or food.

· Do not take Karidium with milk, other dairy products, calcium supplements, or antacids that contain calcium. Calcium may decrease the absorption of Karidium by the body.

· It is important to take Karidium regularly to get the most benefit.

· Store Karidium at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

 

What happens if I miss a dose?

· Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medicine unless your dentist or doctor directs otherwise.

 

What happens if I overdose?

· Seek emergency medical attention.

· Symptoms of a Karidium overdose include nausea; vomiting; abdominal pain; diarrhea; increased salivation or drooling; numbness, tingling, or loss of feeling in a body part; painful muscle stiffness; seizures; and possibly death with large overdoses.

 

What should I avoid while taking Karidium?

· Do not take Karidium with milk, other dairy products, calcium supplements, or antacids that contain calcium. Calcium may decrease the absorption of Karidium by the body.

· There are no other restrictions on food, beverages, or activities while taking Karidium, unless your dentist or doctor directs otherwise.

 

What are the possible side effects of Karidium?

· Stop taking Karidium and seek emergency medical attention if you experience a rare allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives).

· Uncommonly, discoloration or mottling of tooth enamel has been reported with long-term use and/or large doses of Karidium. Notify your dentist or doctor if you notice changes in the appearance of the teeth.

· Other, less serious side effects have also occurred. Continue to take Karidium and notify your dentist or doctor if you experience     ·stomach upset;     ·headache; or     ·weakness.

· Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your dentist and doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

 

What other drugs will affect Karidium?

· Do not take Karidium with calcium supplements or antacids that contain calcium. Calcium may decrease the absorption of Karidium by the body.

· Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Karidium. Talk to your dentist, doctor, and pharmacist before taking any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.

 

Where can I get more information?

· Your pharmacist has additional information about Karidium written for health professionals that you may read.

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