Amlexanox

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Mar 1, 2022.

Commonly used brand name(s)

In the U.S.

• Aphthasol

Uses for amlexanox

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

Amlexanox 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 amlexanox, the following should be considered:

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to amlexanox 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.

Breastfeeding

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 amlexanox. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

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

Proper use of amlexanox

How to use amlexanox:

• Apply amlexanox 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 amlexanox 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 ...