How to Make Magic Mouthwash

Last Updated: December 3, 2021 References Approved

If you have painful sores in your mouth or throat due to an infection, chemotherapy medication, or another underlying medical condition, it can be hard to get relief. Magic mouthwash is a soothing cocktail of topical medications that can reduce your pain and help those sores heal faster. The best way to get magic mouthwash is to ask your doctor for a prescription, but we’ll give you tips on how to make a simpler version at home for quick relief.

Question 1 of 3:

Magic Mouthwash Lite

1
Combine equal parts Benadryl and Maalox. You can make your own simple magic mouthwash by mixing the liquid forms of diphenhydramine hydrochloride (often sold as Benadryl) and aluminum or magnesium hydroxide (Maalox or Mylanta). Stir together equal amounts of each medication—for example, 2 tablespoons (30 mL) each.^{[1]
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Research source}
- Benadryl is an anticholinergic and antihistamine, which can help reduce inflammation and pain. The Maalox coats the inside of your mouth and protects the sores as they heal.^{[2]
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  Research source}
- You can get Benadryl and Maalox or Mylanta in your drug store or the pharmacy section of the grocery store.
- Unlike the prescription version of magic mouthwash, the “lite” version doesn’t have any numbing agents in it. However, it can still soothe your sores and help them heal faster.
2
Swish the magic mouthwash once every 4-6 hours. Use a medicine cup or syringe to measure out 1–2 teaspoons (4.9–9.9 mL) of mouthwash. Swish it around in your mouth to coat the sore spots, then spit it out.^{[3]
X
Trustworthy Source
Cleveland Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source}
- It won’t hurt you if you accidentally swallow a little bit, but the Benadryl might make you drowsy.^{[4]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  Cleveland Clinic
  Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
  Go to source}
- You can also dab the mouthwash directly on any sore areas with a cotton swab.
- You might need to use the magic mouthwash for about a week to start feeling the full benefits.
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3
Avoid eating or drinking for about 30 minutes after you use it. If you eat or drink too soon, you’ll wash away the protective coating and it won’t be as effective. Let the mouthwash sit in your mouth for at least half an hour first.^{[5]
X
Trustworthy Source
Cleveland Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source}
4
Make a saltwater rinse as a gentle and effective alternative. Studies show that saltwater rinses are just as effective at treating mouth sores as magic mouthwash, and they’re less likely to cause side effects.^{[6]
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Research source} To make a saltwater rinse, dissolve 1 tsp (6 g) of salt and 2 tsp (9 g) of baking soda in 8 fluid ounces (240 mL) of warm water.^{[7]
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Research source} Swish the mixture around in your mouth to coat the sores, then spit it out.
- Use this rinse every 4-6 hours or as often as you need to soothe your mouth pain.^{[8]
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Question 2 of 3:

Prescription Magic Mouthwash

1
Ask your doctor about magic mouthwash if you have mouth sores. A prescription is the easiest way to get magic mouthwash. If you have sores in your mouth, ask your doctor for a prescription that’s tailored to your needs. If they think it’s right for you, you can pick it up from your local pharmacy and start using it right away.^{[9]
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Research source}
- Magic mouthwash formulas vary, but most of them contain a mixture of antibiotics, antifungals, steroids or antihistamines, and some sort of numbing agent (such as lidocaine).^{[10]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  Cleveland Clinic
  Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
  Go to source}
- Your pharmacist might make a magic mouthwash using a premade kit, or mix up a specialized one based on your doctor’s orders.^{[11]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  Mayo Clinic
  Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
  Go to source}
2
Get the ingredients from your doctor to mix your own. In some cases, your doctor may give you special instructions to make your own magic mouthwash from ingredients you can purchase separately. You might need a prescription for some of the ingredients, such as viscous lidocaine. Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully to make sure you mix it correctly and use the right amount of each ingredient.^{[12]
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Research source}
- For instance, your doctor might recommend mixing 1 to 3 parts Maalox with 1 part viscous lidocaine.
- One advantage of mixing your own mouthwash is that it is usually less expensive than the pre-mixed prescription version.
3
Follow your doctor’s dosing instructions carefully. Depending on what’s in the mouthwash, your doctor might have different instructions on how to use it. In most cases, they’ll probably tell you to swish 1–2 teaspoons (4.9–9.9 mL) every 4-6 hours. You may need to swish the mouthwash for a certain amount of time, such as 1-2 minutes, before spitting it out.^{[13]
X
Trustworthy Source
Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source}
- Ask your doctor if you should spit or swallow the mouthwash. In some cases, they may advise you to swallow the mouthwash to treat ulcers in your throat or esophagus.^{[14]
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  Research source}
- Your doctor will tell you how long to keep using the magic mouthwash. Typically, you’ll start to feel relief in about a week.^{[15]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  Cleveland Clinic
  Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
  Go to source}
4
Treat the underlying cause of your mouth sores. Sometimes, magic mouthwash is used to treat the symptoms of a larger condition. In these cases, it may not be enough to get rid of your mouth sores on its own. Talk to your doctor about safely using other medications or treatments along with magic mouthwash.^{[16]
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Trustworthy Source
Cleveland Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source}
- For example, you might need other treatments along with magic mouthwash if your sores are caused by oral thrush, the herpes virus, or an autoimmune disease.

Question 3 of 3:

Safety Precautions

1
Talk to your doctor if you notice side effects. Burning, tingling, diarrhea, nausea, and constipation are the most common side effects of magic mouthwash. You might also have problems with drowsiness or changes in your sense of taste. The side effects are usually mild, and they’ll go away after you stop using magic mouthwash.^{[17]
X
Trustworthy Source
Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source} However, don’t hesitate to call your doctor if something is worrying you.
- You’re more likely to notice side effects if you swallow your magic mouthwash instead of spitting it out.
- If you accidentally swallow a large amount of magic mouthwash, call your doctor or a poison control center. Keep the bottle on hand so you can tell them what ingredients are in your mouthwash.
2
Don’t try to make a prescription-strength mouthwash on your own. Magic mouthwashes can contain a wide variety of ingredients, and not all doctors agree on what combination works best. A lot of the common ingredients are also available only by prescription.^{[18]
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Research source} For your own safety, don’t start mixing medicines without special instructions from a doctor or pharmacist.
- Your doctor will be able to determine the balance of ingredients that’s right for your needs.^{[19]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  Mayo Clinic
  Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
  Go to source}
3
Ask your doctor before giving magic mouthwash to kids. Some of the common ingredients in magic mouthwash, such as lidocaine, can be dangerous for small children.^{[20]
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Trustworthy Source
US Food and Drug Administration
U.S. government agency responsible for promoting public health
Go to source} Only give magic mouthwash to a child if your doctor prescribes it or says it’s okay.
- If your child has mouth sores, your doctor might recommend starting with a gentler treatment, such as a saltwater and baking soda rinse.^{[21]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  PubMed Central
  Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health
  Go to source}

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Warnings

If you experience any symptoms like wheezing, tightness in the chest and throat, or a skin rash, call emergency services right away. You may be having an allergic reaction.^{[22]
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National Health Service (UK)
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Using magic mouthwash too often can cause numbing and pain.^{[23]
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National Health Service (UK)
Public healthcare system of the UK
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