Magic mouthwash or miracle mouthwash
Magic mouthwash is an umbrella term for a compounded mouthwash that doctors use to treat mouth sores. The term miracle mouthwash is one we commonly use as well. Most often someone will use them during chemo treatment if they develop mouth sores or if they have a medical condition or disease that causes severe mouth sores. If sores are from an ill fitting denture please fix the denture.
What is in magic mouthwash?
There are many formulations for miracle mouthwash, and different doctors will use slightly different formulations. The most common recipe is equal parts of Benadryl, Maalox, and lidocaine. The Benadryl is to reduce itching that is likely from the inflammation. The Maalox simply increases the thickness and the ability of the solution to stay in the mouth. Finally, the lidocaine is to numb the pain.
Additionally, some versions also include tetracycline, a corticosteroid, and/or nystatin or fluconazole. We use the tetracycline to prevent secondary bacterial infections and nystatin or fluconazole to prevent fungal infection. A corticosteroid reduces inflammation.
The most common Rx for the magic mouthwash looks like this:
Rx: Mix equal parts viscous 2% lidocaine, Maalox, and diphenhydramine 12.5 mg per 5 ml elixir
Disp 120ml
Sig: Swish, gargle, and spit 5ml tid or qid. Swallow if esophageal involvement. Shake well before using.
What is in a pediatric version of magic mouthwash?
Since patients do not swallow this the dose for pediatrics and adults is the same. Although, if the 5ml is too much for them to rinse with just lower the amount that they use each time.
How do you use miracle mouthwash?
Swishing and spitting 5 ml 3-4 times a day is the normal dose.
Interested in making homemade Magic Mouthwash or Magic mouthwash OTC?
All you need is equal parts of liquid benadryl and maalox. If you are trying to make this without a prescription, use ibuprofen in place of lidocaine since you can only get lidocaine by prescription.
What are the alternatives to Magic or miracle mouthwash
We have found some of our patients actually prefer Rincinol over the magic/miracle mouthwash. Rincinol is basically aloe vera extract mouth rinse which comes in small liquid packages or bottles. We have patients use it 2-10 times a day, they will take half the package and swish for 1 minute and spit it out. It is not harmful if someone swallows some on accident, however the idea is to not swallow any.
