- 期刊
氟錠適不適合列為指示藥
Should Fluoride Tablet be Switched to Over-the-Counter Drug
摘要
氟化物預防齲齒之成效已廣獲國際肯定，口服氟錠在先進國家多列為指示藥管理，但國內仍屬於處方藥。有鑑於台灣齲齒之高盛行率，除積極倡導口腔衛生教育外，推動添加氟劑等輔助措施亦屬重要之公衛策略。本篇將藉由討論氟錠之效用、安全性以及指示藥之特性，分析氟錠是否適合列為指示藥管理，以達到推廣使用之目的。 居住於低氟地區兒童可藉由使用氟錠增加每日氟攝取量，降低齲齒發生率；長期使用氟錠雖可能造成氟斑牙，但已有國外報告建議3歲以上孩童使用氟錠，可避免氟離子於牙齒發育期之影響，減少氟斑牙發生。 氟錠之用途在於預防齲齒，在牙醫或藥師之指示下，民眾應有能力自行辨別使用時機及目的。若將國內氟錠列為指示藥，可推廣氟化物之使用，有助於改善台灣高於國際之兒童齲齒盛行率。
並列摘要
Benefit of fluoride for the prevention of dental caries has been well recognized worldwide. In many developed countries, fluoride tablets are listed as over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, whereas in Taiwan, they are still put on the prescription status. To prevent dental caries, many public health strategies including promotion of fluoride supplementation should be considered, in addition to dental care education. This article will discuss the appropriateness to switch fluoride tablet to over-the-counter drugs from the view points of efficacy, safety and OTC drug characteristics. Children living in areas where drinking water does not contain optimal amount of fluoride may be protected from tooth decay through daily fluoride supplementation. Fluorosis is the major concern of long term fluoride supplementation, however it could be prevented by limiting the starting age from 3 years or older. The indication of fluoride tablet, for the prevention of dental caries could be easily identified by general public, thus the risk of misuse is low. In conclusion, it is appropriate to switch fluoride tablet to OTC status. Hopefully, this action could promote the use of fluoride supplementation and will be helpful for lowing dental caries prevalence rate in Taiwan.