You may have heard of Magic Mouthwash — or even been prescribed it — but what exactly is Magic Mouthwash? Magic Mouthwash is a mouthwash that is compounded, or made from scratch, in a pharmacy to treat mouth sores (oral mucositis). Mouth sores can be caused by viral infections, autoimmune disorders, oral thrush, bacterial infections, or even chemotherapy and radiation. These sores can be so severe that they affect a person’s ability to eat, speak, or swallow.
Interestingly, there is not a standard formula for Magic Mouthwash that is used by all prescribers. Instead, physicians and practitioners can request the ingredients they feel will be most helpful for their patient. Typically, Magic Mouthwash contains three of the following ingredients:
An antihistamine or anticholinergic agent to help relieve pain,
A local anesthetic to help reduce pain and discomfort,
An antacid to help the ingredients coat the mouth,
An antifungal to reduce fungal growth,
A corticosteroid to treat inflammation, and/or
An antibiotic to kill bacteria around the sore.
It is usually recommended that patients use Magic Mouthwash once every four to six hours, swishing it in your mouth for one to two minutes before spitting or swallowing. It is advised that you not eat or drink for 30 minutes after using Magic Mouthwash to allow the medications time to work. Possible side effects include taste issues, burning or tingling of the mouth, drowsiness, constipation, diarrhea, or nausea.
While some patients have good results with Magic Mouthwash, others don’t get the relief they desire. Patients may not get complete relief using Magic Mouthwash because the moist environment in a patient’s mouth can wash away the medication without giving it ample time to work. For patients who are looking for additional help, we recommend a custom compounded mouthwash using a revolutionary base called MucoLox.
MucoLox combines the benefits of water-solubility with unprecedented staying power. MucoLox’s one-of-a-kind polymer network brings improved moisturization and protection but won’t easily wash away, bonding to the mucosa to create a powerful but lightweight coating effect. This coating effect keeps the medication in contact with the mouth sores for a longer period of time often resulting in better outcomes.
The beauty of pharmacy compounding is the ability to customize the medication to your needs. However, you have to ensure that the practitioner writes the prescription a certain way. If a practitioner just writes “Magic Mouthwash” that could include many different ingredients. Also, if you want MucoLox as the base, the practitioner needs to write it on the script.
You are uniquely and wonderfully made, and your treatment should be as unique as you are. If you are struggling to find something that works, whatever your condition, please let us know. We would love to help develop a customized solution that works for you.
Call (717) 217-6790 or stop by with questions.
*These statements are culmination of the knowledge and experience of the team at Norland Pharmacy. The information provided here is for informational purposes only. Please consult your healthcare provider with questions concerning any medical condition or treatment. Compounded medications are not reviewed by the FDA for safety or efficacy. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration, and this product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.