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What is Magic Mouthwash?

Meshell Powell
Meshell Powell

Magic mouthwash is a specially formulated mixture of ingredients prescribed by a doctor and then compounded by a pharmacist. Magic mouthwash is used to treat various types of mouth and esophagus pain, especially in cancer patients or those who have recently undergone chemotherapy. There are a variety of ingredients that may be included in this mouthwash, depending on the patient's individual symptoms, and each doctor will likely have a preferred mixture. Common ingredients include numbing agents, antihistamines, and antibiotics.

The three most common ingredients found in magic mouthwash include a numbing agent known as lidocaine, a liquid antacid, and an antihistamine. In some cases, other medications may be used as well. Depending on the condition being treated, antibiotics or steroid medications may be added to the mouthwash.

Magic mouthwash may be used by cancer patients who have recently undergone chemotherapy.
Magic mouthwash may be used by cancer patients who have recently undergone chemotherapy.

Antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine, may help to relive mouth pain. Antacids help the mouthwash mixture coat the entire affected area. Lidocaine works to provide a temporary numbing effect. Steroid medications or antibiotics may be added to the mixture if inflammation or infection is present. The patient should not eat or drink anything for at least 30 minutes after using this mixture.

Magic mouthwash can be used to relieve a sore throat.
Magic mouthwash can be used to relieve a sore throat.

Common medical conditions that may be treated by magic mouthwash include sore throat, ulcers or sores in the mouth or esophagus, and infection. This mouthwash may be used to soothe pain or to reduce inflammation. In cases of infections involving the mouth, added antibiotics may help to kill harmful bacteria. Antifungal medications may be added if a yeast infection is present.

Magic mouthwash is a mix of ingredients prescribed by a doctor to treat specific illnesses.
Magic mouthwash is a mix of ingredients prescribed by a doctor to treat specific illnesses.

Magic mouthwash is typically swished around in the mouth for a few seconds before being spit out. If the pain or sores are in the back portion of the mouth, the mixture may be gargled and then spit out. For problems affecting the esophagus, it may be necessary to gargle with the mixture before swallowing it. The prescribing physician will issue specific instructions on how the medication mixture is to be used.

Magic mouthwash may be used to kill harmful bacteria that cause bad breath.
Magic mouthwash may be used to kill harmful bacteria that cause bad breath.

The patient should discuss the ingredients of the mixture with the doctor prior to usage. If there are any allergies or sensitivities to any of the ingredients, the doctor should be notified. If any negative side effects develop after using the mixture, the doctor should be notified right away. Adult antihistamines often contain alcohol, which may sometimes cause a temporary increase in discomfort when coming into contact with irritated mucous membranes. If this is a concern, a pediatric version of the medication can be requested.

Discussion Comments

anon995603

My doctor made me swallow this stuff when I was inpatient for chest pain. I wish I never did. It gave me the worst stomach pain and cramps fall over my intestines for almost 10 days. I also have neuropathy so it basically paralyzed my stomach function and I had the worst constipation on top of the pain. So be careful if you are asked to swallow this stuff.

turquoise

I had a bad case of mouth blisters and sores while I was in Europe last year. I went to the doctor and asked for a magic mouthwash prescription. He had no idea what I was talking about! He thought it was a mouthwash brand.

I explained to him how it works but he still didn't prescribe it for me. When I came back to the States, I was still dealing with horrible mouth sores. My doctor prescribed a magic mouthwash with anti-fungal medication and the sores went away in one week. I just love this mouthwash, Europe needs to adapt this too.

burcidi

@burcinc-- No, canker sores are not bacterial. It's caused by various things like vitamin deficiency, acidic foods and so forth. The mouthwash doesn't need antibiotics for that.

I also use the same magic mouthwash that your doctor prescribed. Mine was prescribed for sore throat and it's the best mouthwash I've ever used! I believe the antihistamine helps reduce swelling and redness and that's why it's included.

Antibiotics and anti-fungals would only be included if the problem is caused by bacteria and fungi.

burcinc

My doctor prescribed a magic mouthwash to me because I get canker sores fairly often and it's really painful and difficult to eat. He told me that it has lidocaine, benadryl and mylanta. I guess the benadryl is the antihistamine right?

I don't really understand how this is supposed to help my mouth sores though because aren't canker sores caused by bacteria? Shouldn't my magic mouthwash have an anti-bacterial in it as well?

I think it's really great that I have a mouthwash made especially for my problem, I just don't know if this magic mouthwash recipe is the norm for mouth sores.

Has anyone else been given a magic mouthwash for canker sores? What were the ingredients in yours?

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    • Magic mouthwash may be used by cancer patients who have recently undergone chemotherapy.
      By: Monkey Business
      Magic mouthwash may be used by cancer patients who have recently undergone chemotherapy.
    • Magic mouthwash can be used to relieve a sore throat.
      By: absolutimages
      Magic mouthwash can be used to relieve a sore throat.
    • Magic mouthwash is a mix of ingredients prescribed by a doctor to treat specific illnesses.
      By: chas53
      Magic mouthwash is a mix of ingredients prescribed by a doctor to treat specific illnesses.
    • Magic mouthwash may be used to kill harmful bacteria that cause bad breath.
      By: stefanolunardi
      Magic mouthwash may be used to kill harmful bacteria that cause bad breath.
    • Ulcers are one common problem treated with magic mouth wash.
      By: p6m5
      Ulcers are one common problem treated with magic mouth wash.
    • Magic mouthwash is typically gargled.
      By: Daria Filiminova
      Magic mouthwash is typically gargled.