Sodium Fluoride Chewable

INDICATIONS AND USAGE For once daily self-applied systemic use as a dental caries preventive in pediatric patients. It has been established that ingestion of fluoridated drinking water (1 ppm F¯) during the period of tooth development results in a significant decrease in the incidence of dental caries. Sodium Fluoride Chewable Tablets were developed to provide systemic fluoride for use as a supplement in pediatric patients from age 3 years to age 16 years and older living in areas where the drinking water fluoride contents does not exceed 0.6 ppm F¯.

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION (for dosage see table) Dissolve in the mouth or chew before swallowing, preferably at bedtime after brushing teeth. See schedule below to determine dosage.

WARNING Prolonged daily ingestion of quantities greater than the recommended amount may result in various degrees of dental fluorosis in pediatric patients under age 6 years, especially if the water fluoridation exceeds 0.6 ppm. Read directions carefully before using. This product, as all chewable tablets, is not recommended for children under age 3 due to risk of choking. Keep out of the reach of infants and children.

CONTRAINDICATIONS Fluoride 1.0 mg Tablets are contraindicated when the fluoride content of drinking water is >0.3 ppm F¯ and should not be administered to pediatric patients under 6 years. Fluoride 0.5 mg Tablets are contraindicated when the fluoride content of drinking water is more than 0.6 ppm F¯ and should not be administered to pediatric patients under age 6 when the fluoride content of drinking water is 0.3 ppm F¯ or more or to pediatric patients under age 3 years. Fluoride 0.25 mg Tablets are contraindicated when the fluoride content of drinking water is more than 0.6 ppm F¯ and should not be administered to pediatric patients under age 3 years when the fluoride content of drinking water is 0.3 ppm F¯ or more. Do not administer Sodium Fluoride Chewable Tablets (any strength) to pediatric patients under age 3 years. Sodium Fluoride Chewable Tablets (any strength) are not indicated for use in adults.

Pregnancy Teratogenic Effects Pregnancy Category B It has been shown that fluoride crosses the placenta of rats, but only 0.01% of the amount administered is incorporated in fetal tissue. Animal studies (rats, mice, rabbits) have shown that fluoride is not a teratogen. Maternal exposure to 12.2 mg fluoride/kg of body weight (rats) or 13.1 mg/kg of body weight (rabbits) did not affect the litter size or fetal weight and did not increase the frequency of skeletal or visceral malformations. Epidemiological studies conducted in areas with high levels of naturally fluoridated water showed no increase in birth defects. Heavy exposure to fluoride during in utero development may result in skeletal fluorosis which becomes evident in childhood.

Nursing Mothers It is not known if fluoride is excreted in human milk. However, many drugs are excreted in human milk and caution should be exercised when Sodium Fluoride Chewable Tablets are administered to a nursing woman. Reduced milk production was reported in farm raised fox when the animals were fed a diet containing a high concentration of fluoride (98-137 mg/kg of body weight). No adverse effects on parturition, lactation, or offspring were seen in rats administered fluoride up to 5 mg/kg of body weight. This dose is at least 200 times greater than the recommended daily dose of Sodium Fluoride Chewable Tablets.

ADVERSE REACTIONS Allergic rash and other idiosyncrasies have been rarely reported.