Sodium fluoride - dosage, effect, side effect

ATC Code	A01AA01, A12CD01
Molar Mass (g·mol−1)	41,99
Physical State	solid
Density (g·cm−3)	2,78
Melting Point (°C)	993
Boiling Point (°C)	1704
CAS Number	7681-49-4
PUB Number	5235
Solubility	moderate in water / poor in ethanol

Basics

The colorless sodium fluoride crystallizes in the sodium chloride structure and can be "grown" into single crystals. It is transparent to infrared and UV light. It is only moderately soluble in water at all temperatures. Heating hardly increases the solubility. It does not dissolve in ethanol. In concentrated sulfuric acid it converts to sodium sulfate and hydrogen fluoride. As a result of partial hydrolysis, the aqueous solution of sodium fluoride reacts slightly alkaline. Sodium fluoride acts as an insecticide and is toxic.

Pharmacology

The protective effect of sodium fluoride on dental and oral health is explained in two ways. On the one hand, the active ingredient is incorporated into the tooth enamel, making it more resistant. Secondly, it is assumed that sodium fluoride also directly reduces the bacterial load in the oral cavity. It is not clear how this effect is achieved.

In the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis, the fact that sodium fluoride has a stimulating effect on the bone-forming osteoblasts is exploited. In addition, the active substance is incorporated into the bone structure and thus improves bone density.

Toxicity

Sodium fluoride is toxic. Avoid inhalation of dusts. Gloves must be worn when working with sodium fluoride. An amount of 5-10 g for a 70 kg person is generally considered lethal. However, deaths have been observed at doses as low as 15 mg/kg, which corresponds to 1.05 g of sodium fluoride for a 70 kg person. For these reasons, an amount of 5 mg/kg is already considered to be a critical threshold, since serious life-threatening symptoms of poisoning may already occur from this point onwards, requiring immediate emergency treatment.