MedlinePlus Drug Information: Amlexanox

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Other drug names:	A-Am An-Az B C-Ch Ci-Cz D-Dh Di-Dz E F G H I-J K-L M-Mh Mi-Mz N-Nh Ni-Nz O P-Pl Pm-Pz Q-R S-Sn So-Sz T-To Tp-Tz U-V W-Z 0-9

Amlexanox

(am lex' an ox)

Brand name(s): Aphthasol

Contents of this page:
Why is this medication prescribed? How should this medicine be used? What special precautions should I follow? What should I do if I forget a dose?	What side effects can this medication cause? What storage conditions are needed for this medicine? What other information should I know?

Why is this medication prescribed?

Amlexanox is used to treat ulcers of the mouth called aphthous ulcers or canker sores. It decreases the time ulcers take to heal. Because amlexanox decreases the healing time, it also decreases the pain you feel.

This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor, dentist, or pharmacist for more information.

How should this medicine be used?

Amlexanox comes as a beige-colored paste. Amlexanox should be used as soon as possible after noticing symptoms of an ulcer. Amlexanox is usually applied four times a day, following brushing and flossing after breakfast, lunch, dinner, and at bedtime. Squeeze 1/4 inch of the paste on your finger. With gentle pressure, dab amlexanox onto each ulcer in the mouth. Wash hands immediately after using amlexanox. Amlexanox is only used until the ulcer has healed, usually within 10 days. Contact your physician or dentist if significant healing has not occurred within 10 days.

Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor, dentist, or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use amlexanox exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than prescribed by your doctor or dentist.

What special precautions should I follow?

Before using amlexanox,

tell your doctor or dentist and pharmacist if you are allergic to amlexanox or any other drugs.
tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, including vitamins and herbal products.
tell your doctor or dentist if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while using amlexanox, call your doctor or dentist.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not apply a double dose to make up for a missed one.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Although side effects from amlexanox are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor or dentist if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

slight pain, stinging, or burning of the skin that comes and goes
nausea
diarrhea

If you experience the following symptom, call your doctor or dentist immediately:

rash

What storage conditions are needed for this medicine?

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

What other information should I know?

Keep all appointments with your doctor or dentist. Amlexanox is for external use only. Do not let amlexanox get into your eyes. If it does get into your eyes, rinse them promptly.

Do not let anyone else use your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription. Tell your doctor or dentist if your ulcers get worse or do not get better within 10 days.

Last Revised - 01/01/2003

American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. Disclaimer