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|Corticosteroids Dental

CORTICOSTEROIDS (Dental)

Some commonly used brand names are:

In the U.S.—

• Kenalog in Orabase ²
• Orabase-HCA ¹
• Oracort ²
• Oralone ²

In Canada—

• Kenalog in Orabase ²

Another commonly used name for hydrocortisone is cortisol .

Category

• Anti-inflammatory, steroidal, topical
• Corticosteroid, topical

Description

Dental corticosteroids (kor-ti-ko-STER-oyds) are used to relieve the discomfort and redness of some mouth and gum problems. These medicines are like cortisone. They belong to the general family of medicines called steroids.

Dental corticosteroids are available only with your medical doctor"s or dentist"s prescription in the following dosage forms:

• Dental
• Hydrocortisone
  • Paste (U.S.)
• Triamcinolone
  • Paste (U.S. and Canada)

Before Using This Medicine

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor or dentist will make. For dental corticosteroids, the following should be considered:

Allergies—Tell your doctor or dentist if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to corticosteroids. Also tell your health care professional if you are allergic to any other substances, such as foods, preservatives, or dyes.

Pregnancy—When used properly, these medicines have not been shown to cause problems in humans. Studies on birth defects with dental corticosteroids have not been done in humans. However, studies in animals have shown that topical corticosteroids, such as the hydrocortisone or triamcinolone in this medicine, when applied to the skin in large amounts or used for a long time, could cause birth defects. Studies with dental paste have not been done in animals.

Breast-feeding—When used properly, dental corticosteroids have not been reported to cause problems in nursing babies.

Children—Children and teenagers who must use this medicine should be checked often by their doctor. Dental corticosteroids may be absorbed through the lining of the mouth and, if used too often or for too long a time, may interfere with growth in children. Before using this medicine in children, you should discuss its use with your child"s medical doctor or dentist.

Older adults—Although there is no specific information comparing use of dental corticosteroids in the elderly with use in other age groups, these medicines are not expected to cause different side effects or problems in older people than they do in younger adults.

Other medicines—Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in many cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor or dentist may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your health care professional if you are taking or using any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

Other medical problems—The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of dental corticosteroids. Make sure you tell your doctor or dentist if you have any other medical problems, especially:

• Type 2 diabetes mellitus—Too much use of corticosteroids may cause a loss of control of diabetes by increasing blood and urine glucose. However, this is not likely to happen when dental corticosteroids are used for a short period of time

• Herpes sores or
• Infection or sores of the mouth or throat or
• Tuberculosis—Corticosteroids may make existing infections worse or cause new infections

Proper Use of This Medicine

To use hydrocortisone or triamcinolone dental paste:

• Using a cotton swab, press (do not rub) a small amount of paste onto the area to be treated until the paste sticks and a smooth, slippery film forms. Do not try to spread the medicine because it will become crumbly and gritty.
• Apply the paste at bedtime so the medicine can work overnight. The other applications of the paste should be made following meals.

Do not use corticosteroids more often or for a longer time than your medical doctor or dentist ordered . To do so may increase the chance of absorption through the lining of the mouth and the chance of side effects.

Do not use this medicine for other mouth problems without first checking with your medical doctor or dentist . This medicine should not be used on many kinds of bacterial, viral, or fungal infections.

Dosing—The doses of these medicines will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor"s orders or the directions on the label . The following information includes only the average doses of these medicines. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor or dentist tells you to do so.

• For hydrocortisone
• For mouth and/or gum problems:
  • Adults: Apply to the affected area two or three times a day, after meals and at bedtime.
  • Children: Dose must be determined by your doctor or dentist.

• For triamcinolone
• For mouth and/or gum problems:
  • Adults: Apply to the affected area two or three times a day, after meals and at bedtime.
  • Children: Dose must be determined by your doctor or dentist.

Missed dose—If your medical doctor or dentist has ordered you to use this medicine according to a regular schedule and you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule.

Storage—To store this medicine:

• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Store away from heat and direct light.
• Keep the medicine from freezing.
• Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.

Precautions While Using This Medicine

Check with your medical doctor or dentist :

• if your symptoms do not improve within 1 week.
• if your condition gets worse.

Side Effects of This Medicine

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your medical doctor or dentist as soon as possible if the following side effects occur:

Signs of infection or irritation such as burning, itching, blistering, or peeling not present before use of this medicine

Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your medical doctor or dentist.

Revised: 06/15/1999

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