What is Caphosol?
Caphosol is a man-made version of the mucus secretions that are normally produced by the mouth. This medicine helps produce artificial saliva when your body doesn't produce enough.
Caphosol is used to relieve discomfort and dryness in the mouth and throat caused by certain diseases, medications, surgical or chemotherapy treatments, or radiation treatments. This medication guide does not list all possible uses of Caphosol.
Side effects of Caphosol
If you experience any of the following signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction: hives, difficulty breathing or facial or throat swelling - seek medical assistance immediately! There may be other side effects. Call your physician if experiencing side effects; otherwise contact the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report it.
Warnings
Substitutes for saliva are available in many different brands and forms. This leaflet does not list all brands. Please follow all instructions on the label or package of your medication.
Before you take this drug
Caphosol should not be used if you have an allergy to any of its ingredients. Consult your doctor before using Caphosol while pregnant or breastfeeding.
How to take Caphosol?
Use a saliva substitute only in your mouth. Avoid getting it in your eye. Follow the instructions on the product label or those prescribed by your physician.
Caphosol is not intended to be swallowed and works inside the mouth. Swish a small amount of the liquid Caphosol or oral rinse in your mouth and spit it out after 30 seconds.
Before using the oral powder, it must be mixed with 1 ounce of water. Use the mixture immediately after stirring it, even if this means swishing the mixture 2 or 3 more times. Mixture should not be saved for later use. Before each use, shake the oral spray gently and spray it directly in your mouth.
Even while sleeping, you can hold the tablet or lozenge in your mouth for a long time. Some tablets can be pressed against your gums or teeth to keep them in place.
You can apply the gel, paste, or swabs directly to the gums, the tongue, the teeth, or the sides of the mouth. Please follow all the instructions. The frequency of use depends on your medical condition and your medication schedule.
Caphosol is usually used three to five times daily or whenever you feel your mouth feeling dry and uncomfortable. During chemotherapy or radiotherapy, this medication may be used up to 10 times per day. Please follow all instructions for dosage. Caphosol should not be used by children without adult supervision.
Caphosol is only one part of an overall treatment plan that may include other methods for oral hygiene. You should follow your doctor's advice. Store your substitute saliva as instructed on the label. Keep away from moisture, heat, and light.
What happens if I miss the dose?
Caphosol is used as needed, and you may not have a schedule. If you have a regular schedule, take the missed dose immediately after you remember. If your next scheduled dose is imminent, do not take an unscheduled one. If a missed dosage occurs between doses, do not attempt to catch-up by taking another. You should not take extra medicine to compensate for a missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Overdosing on a salivary replacement is unlikely to be harmful. If you accidentally swallowed a large amount of this product, call 1-800-222-1222 or seek emergency medical care.
What should be avoided?
After using Caphosol, you may have to wait 15 minutes before eating or drinking. Use the product according to its label instructions. If the substitute saliva gets into your eyes, rinse with water.
Interaction with other drug
Other drugs that you may take orally or even inject will not have any effect on the caphosol taken orally and not swallowed. Many drugs interact with each other. Inform all healthcare providers of all the medications you are currently taking, including prescription, over-the-counter products, vitamins, and herbal remedies.
