Hydrocortisone muco-adhesive tablets for mouth ulcers

About hydrocortisone muco-adhesive tablets

Mouth ulcers are painful sores which occur within the mouth. Although many mouth ulcers heal on their own without treatment, hydrocortisone muco-adhesive tablets can help mouth ulcers heal more quickly. They also help to ease the pain. Muco-adhesive buccal tablets are designed to be placed next to the ulcer, and to dissolve slowly in your mouth.

Hydrocortisone muco-adhesive tablets are available on prescription from doctors and dentists, or you can buy them without a prescription at pharmacies. However, if you have any other symptoms in addition to the mouth ulcers, it is important that you speak with a doctor before using the tablets.

Before using hydrocortisone muco-adhesive tablets

To make sure that this is the right treatment for you, before you start using hydrocortisone muco-adhesive tablets it is important that your doctor, dentist or pharmacist knows:

• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding. This is because, while you are expecting or feeding a baby, you should only take medicines on the recommendation of a doctor.

• If you think you may have a mouth infection.

• If the treatment is intended for a child under 12 years of age. The tablets should only be given to children aged under 12 years on the advice of a doctor.

• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.

• If you are taking any other medicines. This includes any medicines you are taking which are available to buy without a prescription, as well as herbal and complementary medicines.

How to use hydrocortisone muco-adhesive tablets

• Before you start the treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack. It will give you more information about the tablets, and it will also provide you with a full list of the side-effects which you could experience.

• Place one tablet as close to the mouth ulcer as you can. It will stick gently to the lining of your mouth, and then dissolve slowly to allow the medicine it contains to come into contact with the ulcer. Do not suck the tablet, and try not to move it around your mouth.

• Unless you have been told otherwise, use one tablet four times a day until the ulcer has healed. Space the doses out evenly throughout the day.

• If your symptoms do not improve within five days, make an appointment to see a doctor or dentist for further advice. Also, if your symptoms improve but then come back again, you should make an appointment to see a doctor for further advice and a check-up.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Do not use more than the recommended dose of one tablet four times daily. If you forget a dose, don't worry. Do not use two tablets at the same time to make up for a missed dose.

• It may help to avoid spicy foods, acidic fruit drinks, and very salty foods (such as crisps). These can all make the pain and stinging of ulcers worse.

• Some people find it helps to use a straw to drink with. This helps to avoid liquids from touching ulcers at the front of your mouth. Do not however use a straw to drink hot drinks, as this can cause you to burn your throat.

Can hydrocortisone muco-adhesive tablets cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. The table below contains some of the ones associated with hydrocortisone muco-adhesive tablets, although these are uncommon. The best place to find a full list of the side-effects is from the manufacturer's printed information leaflet supplied with the medicine. Alternatively, you can find an example of a manufacturer's information leaflet in the reference section below.

If you experience these or any other symptoms which you think may be due to the tablets, speak with a doctor or pharmacist for further advice.

How to store hydrocortisone muco-adhesive tablets

• Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.

• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines