Magic mouthwash is a medicated mouthwash used to treat oral mucositis, a condition caused by cancer treatment that results in severe inflammation of the lining of the mouth. It is a mixture of medications that can help reduce inflammation, dry out the mouth, and numb the mouth to reduce discomfort. The specific mixture for magic mouthwash can vary, but it typically contains the following ingredients:
- Nystatin, an antifungal medication
- Hydrocortisone, a steroid to reduce inflammation
- Diphenhydramine, which can help dry out the mouth
Some pharmacies may add viscous lidocaine, which has a numbing effect, or an antacid or other medication that coats the mouths lining to reduce discomfort. Other formulations of magic mouthwash may include additional ingredients such as kaolin, aluminum or magnesium hydroxide, or sucralfate.
It is important to note that at-home recipes for magic mouthwash should be avoided as they may not have the same quality of ingredients. If a person uses magic mouthwash and experiences 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.
Positive aspects of magic mouthwash include its effectiveness in reducing inflammation, dryness, and discomfort in the mouth. Negative aspects may include unwanted side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, or difficulty breathing. However, these side effects are rare and most people tolerate magic mouthwash well.
In summary, the ingredients of magic mouthwash typically include nystatin, hydrocortisone, and diphenhydramine, and may include additional ingredients such as viscous lidocaine or antacids. It is an effective treatment for oral mucositis, but at-home recipes should be avoided and unwanted side effects should be reported to a doctor.
