Do you sometimes feel a sticky feeling in your mouth, your lips are chapped, and your mouth feels dry even after drinking water? Are there times when it is difficult to talk or even swallow a piece of food? We call this 'Dry Mouth'. This condition can occur due to various reasons, such as some treatments for cancer and other medical conditions. Today we are talking about a special medicine prescribed by a doctor that can help with this discomfort.
What is Supersaturated Calcium Phosphate Rinse?
Simply put, this is a mouthwash. But it's not like the regular mouthwash we buy at the store. This is a specially formulated medicine that is prescribed by a doctor. The main brand name for this is `(NeutraSal)`.
Saliva, or saliva, in our mouths is not just water. It contains many important components that help our oral health. Dry mouth means that the production of this saliva is reduced. This special rinse increases the production of saliva in your mouth and helps restore its natural balance. Then, you will have much less difficulty speaking and swallowing food.
Things you need to tell your doctor before using the medicine
Before your doctor prescribes this medication, he or she needs to have a complete picture of your health. Therefore, be sure to inform him or her about the following:
- About your allergies: Tell us if you are allergic to any other medicine, food, food dyes, or preservatives, not just this medicine.
- About your diet: If you are on a salt control diet (for example, due to a condition like high blood pressure), it is very important to tell your doctor about it.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: If you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, always consult your doctor before using this medicine.
It is very important for your own safety to talk to the doctor without hiding this information.
How exactly do you use this?
The method of using this is very simple, but it is important to follow it exactly.
1. Prepare the solution: This medicine usually comes in a powder packet. Dissolve it thoroughly in the amount of clean water prescribed by your doctor.
2. Rinse your mouth: Take half of the prepared liquid and swish it around your mouth for exactly one minute .
3. Pour out (don't drown!): After a minute, pour out that liquid.It is not a good idea to swallow this for any reason. Remember this well.
4. Rinse again: Take the remaining half of the liquid into your mouth, rinse your mouth thoroughly for another minute as before, and spit it out.
5. Wait a while: After rinsing your mouth, don't eat or drink anything for at least 15 minutes . That's when the medicine has time to work properly.
Usually, you will be told to use this twice or four times a day at first. However, depending on your discomfort, your doctor may advise you to use it up to ten times a day. Always follow your doctor's instructions.
Should I give this to small children?
If you give this medicine to young children, it should only be done under medical advice . Because they may swallow it without realizing it, special care should be taken.
What to do if you overdose or swallow the medicine?
If you think you have used more than you think, especially if someone has swallowed it , do not panic and go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Alternatively, you can call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
What are the side effects?
Like any medicine, this one can cause minor side effects in some people, but most of the time they are not serious.
| Type of side effect | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Side effects that should be reported to your doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. These may occur very rarely, but if they occur, it is important to seek medical advice immediately. |
| Things that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Change in taste | You may experience a temporary change in the taste of your mouth. |
| Nausea | Some people may feel nauseous. |
If your symptoms don't improve, or if they seem to be getting worse, tell your doctor.
Take-Home Message
- Supersaturated Calcium Phosphate Rinse is a special medication prescribed by a doctor to treat dry mouth, not a regular mouthwash.
- When using this medicine, rinse your mouth with the liquid and never swallow it . It should be spit out.
- Avoid eating or drinking for 15 minutes after using the medicine.
- If you notice any signs of an allergy, such as skin rash or swelling, inform your doctor immediately.
- Inform your doctor about all other medications, vitamins, and herbs you are taking.
- Store medicine packets in a safe place out of reach of small children and pets .
👩🏽⚕️ Additional questions (FAQs)
💬 Is Supersaturated Calcium Phosphate Rinse (Caphosol) a regular mouthwash?
No! This is not a regular mouthwash. This is a special medicinal liquid prescribed by doctors, filled with a high concentration of calcium and phosphate. This is mostly used for 'cancer patients (Chemo/Radiotherapy)' to quickly heal severe wounds, blisters and unbearable inflammation (Oral Mucositis) in the mouth and throat and restore the patient to a level where he can eat again.
💬 How to cure severe mouth ulcers with this liquid (Calcium Phosphate Rinse)?
When cancer drugs cause mouth ulcers (Mucositis), the calcium on the surface of the ulcers is reduced/damaged. When you rinse your mouth with this special liquid (mixing the two bottles A and B), the excess calcium/phosphate ions in it are forced to be absorbed directly into the ulcers/walls (Oral Mucosa). Then the cells in the ulcers are quickly renewed/formed (Re-epithelialization) and the pain and inflammation disappear. It also increases the saliva/liquidity of the mouth (Lubrication).
💬 What are the side effects of using this liquid (Caphosol)? Is it safe to drink?
This is a liquid that you have to rinse your mouth completely (for 60 seconds) and throw it out (Do not swallow)! But you will not die/destroy if you accidentally swallow a little, because it contains calcium and phosphate (Natural electrolytes) that are familiar to our body. Therefore, its side effects are 'extremely minimal'. However, since it does not contain any painkillers (like Lidocaine), it will not numb the mouth or reduce the pain instantly (you need a separate medicine for that).
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