SALIVA SUBSTITUTE - MUCOUS MEMBRANE
Common Brand Name(s): Caphosol, Neutrasal
Information last revised September 2010
Uses:
This medication is used to treat dry mouth and throat. It is an artificial saliva that moistens and cleans the mouth. This allows you to be more comfortable when drinking, chewing and speaking. It also provides relief from mouth sores, also called mucositis, caused by radiation treatment or cancer chemotherapy.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
How To Use
Follow all directions on the product package for using this medication correctly. Some products come as a powder. Prepare the medication as directed by the product package. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. To relieve dry mouth, use this medication usually 2 to 10 times a day by swishing one half of your prescribed dose for 1 minute in your mouth. Then spit out and repeat with the remainder of your dose, unless directed otherwise by your doctor. Do not swallow this medication. When used during radiation treatment or cancer chemotherapy for mucositis, swish and spit as directed above, 4 times a day as needed. It may be used up to 10 times per day to relieve the pain from mucositis. Avoid eating or drinking for at least 15 minutes after using this product. Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same times each day. Tell your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.
Drug Interactions
Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Notes
Do not share this medication with others.
Overdose
Overdose with this medication is unlikely even if swallowed. However, if swallowing or overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US National Poison Hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.
Precautions
Before using saliva substitute, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history. This medication contains sodium. Before using this medication, talk to your doctor if you are on a salt-restricted diet or if increased salt intake could worsen your condition (such as heart failure, high blood pressure). Tell your doctor if you are pregnant before using this product. It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Storage
Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not refrigerate the solution. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.
Side Effects
Saliva substitutes can be used with no side effects. If you have any unusual side effects, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.
The information contained in the First DataBank databases is intended to supplement the knowledge of physicians, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals regarding drug therapy problems and patient counselling information. This information is advisory only and is not intended to replace sound clinical judgment in the delivery of healthcare services. First DataBank disclaims all warranties, whether expressed or implied, including any warranty as to the quality, accuracy, and suitability of this information for any purpose.
Copyright 2010 First DataBank, Inc.
