Medicines and mouth problems

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Medicines and mouth problems

Antibiotics may cause many mouth problems. If you have recently started an antibiotic and now have a mouth problem, suspect that the antibiotic is the cause. Do not stop taking the antibiotic. Call your health professional to see whether your antibiotic can be adjusted. Most problems will go away when you stop taking the antibiotic.

Many other medicines can also cause mouth problems, including:

• Anti-inflammatory medicines, such as ibuprofen and naproxen.
• Antiseizure medicines, such as phenytoin (Dilantin).
• Antifungals, such as ketoconazole.
• Calcium channel blockers, such as diltiazem, verapamil, and nifedipine.
• Chemotherapy medicines, such as doxorubicin and fluorouracil.
• Corticosteroids, such as prednisone and dexamethasone.
• Diuretics, such as furosemide and hydrochlorothiazide.
• Gold compounds.
• Immunosuppressive medicines, such as cyclosporine.
• Tricyclic antidepressants, such as imipramine and amitriptyline.

If you suspect that your mouth problem is caused by a medicine:

• Call the health professional who prescribed the medicine to determine whether you should stop taking it or take a different one. An appointment may not be necessary.
• If you are taking a nonprescription medicine, stop taking it. Call your health professional if you feel you need to continue taking the medicine.

Credits

Last updated:	September 26, 2008
Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Reviewed By:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine, Steven K. Patterson, BSc, DDS, MPH - Dentist
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer