Amlexanox
About Amlexanox
Amlexanox belongs to a group of medications called anti-inflammatory agents used to treat mouth ulcers. Mouth ulcers, also known as canker sores or aphthous ulcers, are small, painful lesions that develop in the mouth or at the base of the gums, the roof of the mouth or the throat, and the tongue. These can make you uncomfortable while eating, drinking, and talking. They are not contagious and usually heal within weeks.
Amlexanox contains Amlexanox and belongs to a class of medications called anti-inflammatory agents. It reduces pain, redness, swelling, and inflammation by blocking the production of chemical substances that cause inflammation. It also forms a protective covering over the sores. This effect enables the ulcers to heal more quickly.
You should use this medicine exactly as advised by your doctor. Amlexanox is unlikely to cause any side effects in most cases. However, in some people, it may cause side effects such as pain, stinging, or burning sensations at the application site. These side effects are usually mild and temporary. However, if these side effects persist or worsen, consult a physician immediately.
Do not use Amlexanox if you are allergic to Amlexanox or any of its contents. Do not use it if you have a weak immune system unless recommended by a physician. Amlexanox is probably safe for patients with liver and kidney diseases. Amlexanox should be used with caution in children, pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and elderly people. Amlexanox may not interact with alcohol. Amlexanox may not affect your ability to drive.
Uses of Amlexanox
Medicinal Benefits
Amlexanox contains Amlexanox, which belongs to the class of medications called anti-inflammatory agents. It is used to treat mouth ulcers on the inner lips, gums, the roof of the mouth or throat, and tongue. It acts by forming a protective layer over the ulcer, allowing it to heal. It also reduces swelling and inflammation by blocking the chemical substances that cause inflammation. Amlexanox provides quick relief from the pain and promotes faster healing of the mouth ulcer.
Directions for Use
- Amlexanox can be used after brushing and flossing, as advised by the doctor, following meals.
- Amlexanox is usually used at bedtime as recommended by the doctor.
- Clean the affected area, take a pea-sized amount of Amlexanox onto your fingertip, and apply it to the affected area with slight pressure.
- Wash your hands before and after use.
Storage
Side Effects of Amlexanox
- Slight pain at the application site
- Stinging sensation
- Burning sensation
Drug Warnings
Make sure Amlexanox doesn’t get into the eyes. If it comes into contact with the eyes, rinse them thoroughly with water. Amlexanox should not be used in patients with weak immune systems (people suffering from long-term diseases such as cancer and HIV or using immunosuppressants) unless recommended by your physician. If you notice a rash or contact mucositis (inflammation of the oral mucosa due to contact with an allergen), discontinue using Amlexanox and consult your physician. If you do not notice any improvement within 10 days of using Amlexanox, inform your physician immediately.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: No interactions found.
Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Amlexanox should not be used in patients with a weak immune system.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
safeAmlexanox may not interact with alcohol. However, please consult the doctor if you have any concerns.
Pregnancy
consult your doctorLimited information is available on the use of Amlexanox during pregnancy, so please use it only if recommended by your doctor.
Breast Feeding
consult your doctorLimited information is available on the use of Amlexanox in breastfeeding women, so use it only if recommended by your doctor.
Driving
safeAmlexanox does not affect your ability to drive. However, if you experience any unusual symptoms, it is best to avoid driving and consult your doctor.
Liver
consult your doctorAmlexanox is probably safe when used in patients with liver diseases. However, please consult the doctor before using Amlexanox.
Kidney
consult your doctorAmlexanox is probably safe when used in patients with kidney diseases. However, please consult the doctor before using Amlexanox.
Children
consult your doctorLimited information is available on the use of Amlexanox in children, so please use it only if recommended by your doctor.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Avoid acidic foods such as spicy, salty, or high-sugar foods as they can irritate mouth ulcers.
- Include whole grains, alkaline fruits, and vegetables such as watermelon, lemon, broccoli, mushrooms, and tomatoes.
- Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet. Include a diet rich in multivitamins, especially B12, folate, zinc, and iron.
- Maintain good dental hygiene by brushing after meals and regularly flossing.
- Gargle with salt water, as it can help treat mouth ulcers.
- Apply ice or damp tea bags, or suck on ice chips to numb the pain.
- Try natural remedies such as chamomile tea, Echinacea, myrrh, and liquorice root.
- Quit smoking.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Mouth ulcers: Mouth ulcers, also known as canker sores or aphthous ulcers, are small, painful lesions that develop in the mouth or at the base of the gums. These can make you uncomfortable while eating, drinking, and talking. Mouth ulcers usually heal within a few weeks and are not contagious. People with a family history of canker sores are at more risk. Minor mouth injuries, such as those from dental work or hard brushing, acidic foods, a lack of essential vitamins like vitamin B12, dental braces, emotional stress, and viral, bacterial, or fungal infections, can cause mouth ulcers.
FAQs
Amlexanox is an anti-inflammatory agent, used to treat mouth ulcers by reducing inflammation and promoting healing in the affected area.
Amlexanox contains Amlexanox, which helps treat mouth ulcers inside your lips, gums, the roof of the mouth or throat, and tongue. Amlexanox reduces pain, swelling, and inflammation by blocking the action of chemical substances that cause inflammation. It also forms a protective layer over the ulcer, enabling it to heal more quickly.
Wash your hands immediately after using Amlexanox. Make sure Amlexanox does not get into the eyes. If it accidentally enters your eyes, rinse them thoroughly with water.
Amlexanox is usually well-tolerated and may cause mild and temporary side effects when used at recommended doses. Amlexanox may cause side effects such as pain, stinging, or burning sensations at the application site. Inform your physician if any of these side effects persist or worsen.
If the mouth ulcers last longer than 3 weeks, present in unusually large size, become painful, bleed, or frequently develop, consult your physician immediately.
Avoid eating within 1 hour after using Amlexanox. It is recommended to take Amlexanox after meals to avoid swallowing the medicine unless otherwise advised by your physician.
Amlexanox should only be used for the duration prescribed by your doctor, based on your condition. Using Amlexanox for a more extended period than recommended may lead to side effects such as pain, stinging, or a burning sensation at the application site. If you feel the need to continue the medication for a longer time, please consult your doctor.
The use of Amlexanox may cause diarrhoea as a side effect in some individuals. If diarrhoea occurs, stay hydrated by drinking water and avoid foods that may irritate your stomach. If diarrhoea continues, please consult your doctor. Do not take any antidiarrheal medical unless advised by the doctor.
Amlexanox is not typically used to treat skin ulcers. It is primarily used as a medication for conditions such as mouth ulcers or canker sores. Treatment for skin ulcers typically involves wound care, antibiotics, or other targeted medications, depending on the underlying cause. Please consult your doctor for the most appropriate treatment options for skin ulcers.
The effects of Amlexanox typically start to show within a few hours of use. Complete relief from the mouth ulcer can be expected within 10 days of consistent application. However, the duration may vary depending on the severity of the ulcer and other factors. Please get in touch with your doctor if significant healing has not occurred after 10 days.
Acidic or citrus fruits (such as oranges and lemons), spicy foods (like hot peppers), salty foods (like chips), and crunchy foods (like nuts or crackers) can irritate mouth ulcers. Additionally, rough-textured foods (such as toast) and sugary snacks can exacerbate ulcers, slowing the healing process.
Mouth ulcers are small, painful sores that can appear inside the mouth. They are often caused by factors such as emotional stress, minor injuries (e.g., from dental work or hard brushing), certain foods (such as spicy or acidic ones), or nutritional deficiencies (like vitamin B12). In some cases, they may be linked to infections (viral, bacterial, or fungal), autoimmune conditions, or other health issues.
