Amlexanox (Mucous membrane, oral)

Generic name: amlexanox [ am-LEX-a-nox ]
Brand name: Aphthasol
Drug class: Mouth and throat products

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Mar 6, 2024.

Uses for amlexanox

Amlexanox is used as a paste in the mouth to treat aphthous ulcers (canker sores).

This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription.

Before using amlexanox

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 will make. For this medicine, the following should be considered:

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

There is no specific information comparing use of amlexanox in children with use in other age groups.

Geriatric

Many medicines have not been studied specifically in older people. Therefore, it may not be known whether they work exactly the same way they do in younger adults. There is no specific information comparing use of amlexanox in the elderly with use in other age groups.

Breast Feeding

There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

Interactions with Medicines

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

Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol

Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Other Medical Problems

The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of this medicine. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

• Immune system problems—It is not known if this medicine will work properly in patients with these problems

Proper use of amlexanox

How to use this medicine:

• Apply this medicine to the canker sore as soon as you notice it.
• Squeeze a small amount of the paste (about 1/4 inch) onto your fingertip. Using gentle pressure, dab the paste onto each sore in your mouth.
• Wash your hands immediately after using amlexanox paste.
• Keep using the medicine until the sore is healed. However, if it is not healed after 10 days, check with your doctor.
• Do not get any of the paste in your eyes. If any gets in your eyes, wash them out with water right away.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine 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 this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

• For mucosal-local dosage form (oral paste):
  • For treatment of canker sores:
    • Adults—Apply to each canker sore in the mouth four times a day, after you brush your teeth after breakfast, lunch, dinner, and at bedtime.
    • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, apply it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Related/similar drugs

triamcinolone topical, dexamethasone, hydrocortisone topical, benzocaine topical, Orajel, FIRST Mouthwash BLM, Aphthasol

Side Effects of amlexanox

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.

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Less common or rare

• Burning, stinging, or pain at place medicine is applied
• inflammation of mucous membranes
• diarrhea
• nausea

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Commonly used brand name(s)

In the U.S.

• Aphthasol

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer