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 gums, roof of the mouth or throat, and 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 allows the ulcers to heal faster.
Amlexanox is available in the form of an oral paste. You should take this medicine exactly as advised by your doctor. Amlexanox may not cause any side effects in most cases. However, in some people, it may cause side effects such as pain, stinging, or burning sensation 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 take Amlexanox if you are allergic to it. 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
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 in contact with the eyes, rinse it with water thoroughly. 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.
Pregnancy
cautionAmlexanox is a category B medicine and may not cause any harmful effects to the fetus. However, there is insufficient evidence to establish the safety of Amlexanox in pregnancy. If you are pregnant, inform your physician before using Amlexanox. Your physician will weigh the benefits and risks before recommending it.
Breast Feeding
cautionThere is insufficient evidence to establish the safety of Amlexanox in breastfeeding mothers. If you are breastfeeding, inform your physician before using Amlexanox. Your physician will weigh the benefits and risks before recommending it.
Driving
safeAmlexanox does not affect your ability to drive.
Liver
consult your doctorAmlexanox is probably safe when used in patients with liver diseases.
Kidney
consult your doctorAmlexanox is probably safe when used in patients with kidney diseases.
Children
cautionThere is no sufficient evidence to establish the safe use of Amlexanox in children. So, it should be used with caution in children below 12 years of age.
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, mushroom, 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 regular flossing.
- Gargle with salt water as it can help in treating 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.
Special Advise
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 injury from dental work or hard brushing, acidic foods, lack of essential vitamins such as vitamin B12, dental braces, emotional stress, and viral, bacterial, or fungal infections could cause mouth ulcers.
FAQs
Amlexanox is used to treat mouth ulcers.
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 allowing it to heal faster.
Wash your hands immediately after using Amlexanox. Make sure Amlexanox does not get into the eyes. If it accidentally enters your eyes, rinse it with water thoroughly.
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 sensation at the application site. Inform your physician if any of these side effects persist or get 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 a medication for conditions like mouth ulcers or canker sores. Treatment for skin ulcers usually involves wound care, antibiotics, or other specific medications, depending on the cause. Please consult your doctor for the most appropriate treatment options for skin ulcers.
Amlexanox typically starts to show effects 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 contact your doctor if significant healing has not occurred after 10 days.
Acidic or citrus fruits (like oranges and lemons), spicy foods (such as hot peppers), salty foods (like chips), and crunchy foods (such as nuts or crackers) can irritate mouth ulcers. Also, rough-textured foods (like toast) and sugary snacks can worsen ulcers, slowing healing.
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 (spicy or acidic), or nutritional deficiencies (such as vitamin B12). In some cases, they may be linked to infections (viral, bacterial, or fungal), autoimmune conditions, or other health issues.
