Magic Mouthwash, also known as Miracle Mouthwash, is a oral rinse that is typically prescribed by a dentist or a doctor to alleviate the pain and discomfort associated with various oral conditions. CVS, a popular chain of pharmacies, stocks magic mouthwash for customers who require it. Magic mouthwash is a combination of several medications that work together to provide relief from oral pain. The exact composition of the mouthwash may vary depending on the individual's needs and the prescribing healthcare professional's preferences. However, it commonly includes a combination of anesthetic agents, anti-inflammatory drugs, and antifungal medications. The anesthetic agents in magic mouthwash help to numb the tissues in the mouth, providing immediate pain relief.

Magic Mouthwash

This medication requires a prescription from your doctor.

How to Write a Magic Mouthwash Prescription:

• 1 Part viscous lidocaine 2%
• 1 Part Maalox
• 1 Part diphenhydramine 12.5 mg per 5 ml elixir

Quantity: 120 ml

Sig: Swish, gargle, and spit one to two teaspoonfuls every six hours as needed. Shake well before using.

There are multiple formulations that are called “Magic Mouthwash” used to treat mouth sores and sore throat. Each of these mouthwashes includes different ingredients and strengths although there is a consistency in the types of drugs used. Each mouthwash usually contains an antibiotic, an antihistamine, an antifungal, a corticosteroid, and an antacid. Common ingredients used in magic mouthwash formulations include:

• Diphenhydramine – an antihistamine that can reduce inflammation and pain. Diphenhydramine is marketed commercially as Benadryl.
• Nystatin – antifungal for treating candidiasis.
• Lidocaine – an anesthetic frequently used in topical formulations that can reduce pain by numbing the mouth and throat.
• Hydrocortisone – steroid that treats inflammation.
• Tetracycline – antibiotic for treating infection.
• Maalox/Mylanta – helps the active ingredients stay on the sores and affected areas of the mouth and throat longer.

Magic Mouthwash Directions

The most commonly prescribed directions for magic mouthwash are to swish for two minutes then spit and swallow. This should be done around every four hours. Directions may vary depending on the formulation and what it is being used to treat. After using the mouthwash, drinking and eating should be avoided for about a half an hour so that the medicine will stay on the affected areas.

External Links

• Magic Mouthwash formulation on the National Cancer Insitute drug directory.

Mary's Magic Mouthwash

My radiation doctor wrote a prescription for me for Mary's Magic Mouthwash. When I went to the pharmacy to pick it up, I was informed that it was not covered under my health insurance plan. I have Blue Cross Blue Shield health insurance. We have a great plan. Has anyone else ran into this problem? One would think that as much as this drug is used that it would be covered. I am fortunate to have the ability to pay for it out of pocket. I know there are people that can't.

The anesthetic agents in magic mouthwash help to numb the tissues in the mouth, providing immediate pain relief. This is particularly beneficial for individuals who are experiencing severe pain due to conditions such as oral ulcers, mucositis, or other mouth sores. The anti-inflammatory drugs in the mouthwash help reduce inflammation, which can further alleviate pain and discomfort.

Comments

I had magic mouthwash too. The reason it wasn't covered under my plan is it is a compounded prescription J oanne.

Call BCBS we had the same problem. Call Blue Cross Pharmacy number on back of card. You may also have to get the pharmacy to call them directl. Blue Cross WILL cover it but it has to be entered differently. Good luck. Gotta have the magic mouthwash!!

We had a similar problem. We We had a similar problem. We don't have BCBS insurance, but when we went to CVS (our regular pharmacy) to fill the script, they said our insurance would not cover it and they would not make it for us anyway. So we went to Walgreens, and not only did they make it, but they gave us the first bottle for free! Our insurance covered the rest under our plan. So maybe just try a different pharmacy too.

Update on Mary's Magic Mouthwash I contacted Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois. Here is their response "The mouthwash was not covered as it is not a covered prescription drug under your plan coverage. This item is not listed on the drug list and is considered as non-formulary. Therefore the cost of the mouthwash would be the wholesale cost." My pharmacy charges me the wholesale price.

Update on Mary's Magic Mouthwash
I contacted Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois. Here is their response "The mouthwash was not covered as it is not a covered prescription drug under your plan coverage. This item is not listed on the drug list and is considered as non-formulary. Therefore the cost of the mouthwash would be the wholesale cost." My pharmacy charges me the wholesale price.

Unbelievable I think I'd have to ask for a supervisor. We have BCBS of Georgia and were told that, as a cancer patient, if one ingredient was covered the entire mixture was covered. The pharmacist just needed to enter it coded differently. My husband could not have survived without it. Formulary or not they have to make some concession. Our pharmacy CVS would have charged $65 if it wasn't covered.

What is magic mouthwash?

Magic mouthwash is a treatment that some doctors prescribe to treat oral mucositis. This condition is a severe inflammation of the lining of the mouth. Various other medications combine to make the ingredients in magic mouthwash.

Oral mucositis is a common side effect of cancer treatments, especially radiation for head and neck cancer. While some studies support the use of magic mouthwash, others do not. Some expert organizations also warn of its dangers.

Keep reading to learn more about magic mouthwash, including factors to consider before using it.

Share on Pinterest A doctor may prescribe magic mouthwash to treat oral mucositis.

Magic mouthwash is a product that compounding pharmacies usually make.

Compounding a medication means that a pharmacist combines specific amounts of several commercially available medications to create a new medication. A doctor will write the prescription, which may look more like a recipe, for a compounded medication.

Other names for magic mouthwash include “Duke’s magic mouthwash” or “Mary’s magic mouthwash.”

Magic mouthwash usually contains:

• nystatin, an antifungal medication
• hydrocortisone, a steroid to reduce inflammation
• diphenhydramine, which can help dry out the mouth.

According to the North Carolina Board of Pharmacy, the specific mixture for magic mouthwash contains the following:

• 30 milliliters (ml) of nystatin suspension at 100,000 units/ml, or 3 million units of nystatin powder
• 60 milligrams hydrocortisone
• enough diphenhydramine HCL syrup to bring the total volume up to 240 ml

A person will usually store the mixture in a refrigerator. Most people should not use a formulation once 14 days have passed since the pharmacist first mixed the solution.

However, some recipes for magic mouthwash can vary. Sometimes, a pharmacy will add viscous lidocaine, which has a numbing effect.

Other times, they will add an antacid or other medication that coats the mouth’s lining to reduce discomfort. Examples include kaolin, aluminum or magnesium hydroxide, or sucralfate.

A pharmacy may supply magic mouthwash in small containers for individual use or a large container from which a person will pour each dose.

The typical administration is about 30 ml every 4–6 hours. A person may use a syringe to pull up the medication, or they may have a small measuring cup.

Magic mouthwash is only suitable for swishing in the mouth before a person spits it out. They should never drink the mouthwash.

The exact directions of use may vary, depending on the pharmacy compounding the mouthwash or the prescribing doctor. However, this is a general guide on using magic mouthwash:

1. Obtain the correct dose of magic mouthwash, either by syringe, spoon, or measuring cup.
2. Pour the liquid into the mouth.
3. Swish the liquid in the mouth from side to side or in a swirling pattern for at least 1 minute. Setting a phone timer can help ensure that a person uses the mouthwash long enough.
4. Spit out the mouthwash. Do not rinse the mouth after spitting, as this could reduce the medication’s effectiveness by washing away the mouthwash remnants.
5. Refrain from eating or drinking for at least 30 minutes after using the mouthwash to maximize its effects.

Using or ingesting too much of the mouthwash can cause a person to experience nausea or numbness in the throat afterward.

Doctors usually prescribe magic mouthwash to reduce symptoms of oral mucositis. This condition can cause severe side effects, including bleeding ulcers in the mouth and significant oral pain. As a result, some people may not be able to eat or drink because their mouth hurts so much.

According to the Oncology Nursing Society, more than one-third of people undergoing cancer treatments discontinue the treatment responsible for mucositis due to the severity of their symptoms. Doctors may prescribe magic mouthwash and other solutions to try to help people continue to tolerate their treatments.

While the concept that magic mouthwash could help treat mucositis may be good in theory, researchers have not proven its effectiveness.

A 2016 randomized, double-blind study comparing magic mouthwash with another mouthwash and a placebo found that the magic mouthwash preparation was more effective than the placebo in reducing radiation-related mucositis pain.

The researchers asked the participants questions about pain reduction straight after they used the mouthwash and at intervals until 4 hours after using it. The researchers found that the participants tolerated the mouthwash well.

An older 2011 randomized study did not find magic mouthwash plus sucralfate to be more effective than another mouthwash type that included the medication benzydamine hydrochloride.

This study focused on whether the mouthwash could prevent oral mucositis. Therefore, the participants used the mouthwash both before and during their radiation treatments, rather than just during treatment.

Differences in formulations and uses for magic mouthwash — for example, treatment vs. prevention — make it difficult to conclude whether it is effective.

Magic mouthwash can cause several side effects. These include:

• changes in taste sensations
• dryness
• irritation
• nausea
• pain
• soreness

If a person uses magic mouthwash and experiences these or other unwanted symptoms, they should stop using the mouthwash and call their doctor. The doctor can recommend how they should proceed or prescribe another oral mucositis treatment.

Magic mouthwash is one example of a compounded mouthwash that doctors may prescribe to treat oral mucositis. Other options include:

• “Pink lady”: This mouthwash contains an antacid suspension (usually Maalox) and viscous lidocaine.
• “Noll’s solution”: This mouthwash contains diphenhydramine, nystatin, dexamethasone (another steroid type), and tetracycline (an antibiotic).

Doctors may also prescribe oral antibiotics or antifungal medications to reduce infection risks from ulcers. They may also prescribe pain-relieving medications to reduce the incidence of mucositis pain, allowing patients to continue with their cancer treatments.

In addition, magic mouthwash often contains antifungal medications, which can be helpful in combating fungal infections that may be present in the mouth. This is particularly important for individuals who have compromised immune systems, as they may be more susceptible to oral infections. CVS is a convenient option for individuals who need to purchase magic mouthwash. It is readily available at many CVS locations, making it easily accessible for those who require it. Customers can typically find the mouthwash in the oral care section of the store or can inquire with a pharmacist for assistance. It is important to note that magic mouthwash is typically only available with a prescription. Therefore, individuals who believe they may benefit from using this product should consult with a healthcare professional to determine if it is appropriate for their specific needs. The healthcare professional can prescribe the mouthwash and provide instructions on how to use it effectively. Overall, magic mouthwash is a valuable option for individuals experiencing oral pain and discomfort due to various conditions. CVS offers this product for those in need, making it a convenient option for many individuals..

Reviews for "The Use of Magic Mouthwash in Pediatric Dentistry at CVS"

1. Sarah - 2/5 stars - I tried the Magic Mouthwash from CVS and I was completely disappointed. It claimed to provide relief from mouth sores and irritations, but I found no difference after using it for several days. The taste was also unbearable and left a strange aftertaste in my mouth. I had much higher expectations for this product and wouldn't recommend it.

2. John - 1/5 stars - I had high hopes for Magic Mouthwash from CVS, but it didn't live up to its promises. I suffered from painful mouth sores and was desperately seeking relief. Unfortunately, this product did nothing to alleviate my discomfort. I also found the consistency to be too thick and difficult to swish around my mouth. Overall, it was a waste of money and time.

3. Emily - 2/5 stars - I purchased the Magic Mouthwash from CVS to help with my recurrent mouth ulcers. However, I was disappointed with the results. The taste was quite unpleasant and it didn't provide the relief I was hoping for. I ended up switching to a different brand that worked much better for me. I would not recommend this particular mouthwash for those seeking effective relief from mouth sores.

The Role of Magic Mouthwash in Radiotherapy-Related Oral Side Effects