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Generic Name: glycerin oropharyngeal
Brand Name: Orajel Dry Mouth
Drug Class: Saliva Substitutes
What is glycerin oropharyngeal, and what is it used for?
Glycerin oropharyngeal is an oral gel available over-the-counter and is used for temporary relief from dry mouth (xerostomia) in adults and children.
Glycerin, also known as glycerol, is a sugar alcohol compound that is present in fats such as triglycerides. Glycerin is also synthetically produced in labs and used as a solvent, emollient, sweetening agent, and pharmaceutical agent.
Glycerin is a soothing substance that lubricates the mucous tissue in the oral cavity working as a substitute for saliva. Glycerin, however, does not stimulate saliva secretion.
Glycerin is used for relief of pain and irritation from sore throat and minor dental procedures, and dry or sore mouth caused by conditions such as canker sores, diabetes, Sjogren’s syndrome, Alzheimer’s disease, certain medications, and vitamin deficiencies.
Warnings
- Do not use glycerin oropharyngeal if you are hypersensitive to glycerin or any of the constituents of the formulation.
- Do not use OTC glycerin oropharyngeal in children younger than 2 years of age. Children under 12 should be supervised while using this product.
- Discontinue glycerin oropharyngeal and consult your physician If:
What are the side effects of glycerin oropharyngeal?
There are no reports of adverse effects from glycerin oropharyngeal. Oral ingestion of excessive amounts may cause:
This is not a complete list of all side effects or adverse reactions that may occur from the use of this drug.
Call your doctor for medical advice about serious side effects or adverse reactions. You may also report side effects or health problems to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What are the dosages of glycerin oropharyngeal?
Oral Gel
- 18%
Sore/Dry Mouth
Adult:
- Apply 1-inch strip of gel directly to tongue and around inside and outside of tooth/gum surface as needed
- Do not rinse out
Pediatric:
Children younger than 2 years:
- Safety and efficacy not established
Children 2 years and older:
- Apply a 1-inch strip of gel directly to tongue and around inside and outside of tooth/gum surface; may repeat as needed
- Do not rinse out
- Supervise use in children younger than 12 years
Overdose
- Swallowing or ingesting excessive amounts of glycerin oropharyngeal can cause nausea, vomiting, headache, or confusion.
- In case of ingestion of toxic amounts, seek medical help or contact Poison Control.
What drugs interact with glycerin oropharyngeal?
- Inform your doctor of all medications you are currently taking, who can advise you on any possible drug interactions. Never begin taking, suddenly discontinue, or change the dosage of any medication without your doctor’s recommendation.
- Glycerin oropharyngeal has no known severe, serious, moderate, or mild interactions with other drugs.
- The drug interactions listed above are not all of the possible interactions or adverse effects. For more information on drug interactions, visit the RxList Drug Interaction Checker.
- It is important to always tell your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider of all prescription and over-the-counter medications you use, as well as the dosage for each, and keep a list of the information.
- Check with your doctor or health care provider if you have any questions about the medication.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- There are no studies on glycerin oropharyngeal use in pregnant women, use with caution during pregnancy.
- It is not known if glycerin oropharyngeal is present in breast milk. Appropriate use of glycerin gel without swallowing is likely safe for breastfeeding mothers.
What else should I know about glycerin oropharyngeal?
- Use glycerin oropharyngeal exactly as directed in the product label.
- Do not swallow or ingest excessive amounts of glycerin oropharyngeal.
- Store glycerin oropharyngeal safely out of reach of children.