Amlexanox

Generic name: amlexanox [ am-LEX-an-ox ]
Brand name: Aphthasol

Amlexanox is used for:

Treating canker sores.

Amlexanox is an anti-inflammatory agent. How amlexanox works is not fully known. It appears to stop inflammatory reactions (eg, pain, redness, swelling) and allow sores to heal.

Do NOT use amlexanox if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in amlexanox

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using amlexanox:

Some medical conditions may interact with amlexanox. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have a weakened immune system

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with amlexanox. Because little, if any, of amlexanox is absorbed into the blood, the risk of it interacting with another medicine is low.

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if amlexanox may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use amlexanox:

Use amlexanox as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Apply amlexanox after oral hygiene after breakfast, lunch, dinner, and at bedtime unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
• Apply the paste as soon as possible after noticing the symptoms of canker sores.
• Dry the ulcers by gently patting with a soft, clean cloth.
• Wash your hands before and immediately after applying amlexanox.
• Moisten the tip of your index finger. Squeeze a dab of paste approximately one-fourth of an inch onto your fingertip. Dab paste onto each ulcer in the mouth using gentle pressure.
• Use the paste until the ulcer heals. If significant healing or pain reduction has not occurred within 10 days, consult your dentist or doctor.
• If you miss a dose of amlexanox, use it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not use 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use amlexanox.

Important safety information:

• Avoid getting amlexanox in your eyes. Wash eyes promptly if paste gets into eyes.
• Use amlexanox with extreme caution in CHILDREN. Safety and effectiveness have not been confirmed.
• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant while taking amlexanox, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using amlexanox during pregnancy. It is unknown if amlexanox is excreted in breast milk. If you are or will be breast feeding while you are using amlexanox, check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.

Possible side effects of amlexanox:

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Short-term pain, stinging, or burning at the application site.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); inflammation of the lining of the mouth.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center, or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include diarrhea; vomiting.

Proper storage of amlexanox:

Store amlexanox at room temperature, between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) in a tightly closed container. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep amlexanox out of the reach of children and away from pets.

General information:

• If you have any questions about amlexanox, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• Amlexanox is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
• If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.
• Check with your pharmacist about how to dispose of unused medicine.

This information should not be used to decide whether or not to take amlexanox or any other medicine. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to decide which medicines are right for you. This information does not endorse any medicine as safe, effective, or approved for treating any patient or health condition. This is only a brief summary of general information about amlexanox. It does NOT include all information about the possible uses, directions, warnings, precautions, interactions, adverse effects, or risks that may apply to amlexanox. This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. You must talk with your healthcare provider for complete information about the risks and benefits of using amlexanox.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer