What to Know About Magic Mouthwash

Written by Alicia Racelis, PhD
Medically Reviewed by Shruthi N, MD and Robert Brennan, DDS on February 13, 2025
6 min read

Doctors prescribe magic mouthwash to help prevent oral mucositis or mouth sores. Also called miracle mouthwash, it differs from over-the-counter mouthwashes. It's used for mouth sores caused by autoimmune diseases, viral infections, and cancer treatments. That said, some over-the-counter products are named "miracle mouthwash," too. So it's important to ensure you're using the right product. 

Experts need more studies before suggesting one variety over another. But magic mouthwash may help lower mouth sore inflammation, swelling, and pain. So, make sure you know how to use it correctly and for how long to use it.

Magic mouthwash is a prescription oral rinse made from a variety of medications. It's also called Mary's or Duke's mouthwash.

You can use it to ease your oral mucositis symptoms. Cancer treatmentscommonly cause this painful condition. The mouth sores can make it hard to eat properly and maintain good oral hygiene. 

You can use this mouthwash if your mouth sores are from:

  • Cancer treatments such as targeted therapy, radiation medicine, and chemotherapy
  • Viral infections
  • Autoimmune diseases
  • Inflammation of blood vessels in your mouth causing mouth sores (Behçet's disease)
  • Overgrowth of yeast in your mouth (oral thrush)
  • Bacterial infections

Magic mouthwash ingredients

There are compounded and premade prescription magic mouthwashes. You'll need a prescription for both of these types. Some people make their own mouthwash by mixing over-the-counter medications. Ask your doctor which type is best for you.

Your pharmacist mixes together a bunch of different ingredients to make or compound your mouthwash. You may need a prescription for other premade varieties, too. Magic mouthwash usually contains:

  • An antibiotic to kill bacteria around mouth sores
  • An antifungal to stop fungal growth
  • An anticholinergic or antihistamine to ease pain
  • A local anesthetic to relieve pain
  • An antacid that spreads the ingredients inside your mouth‌

Magic mouthwash recipe

Your doctor may suggest a DIY magic mouthwash recipe. You can make it yourself by mixing these over-the-counter medicines yourself. Follow the formula to create your own rinse. Use it as directed, and swish it in your mouth to coat the inside surfaces to lower inflammation.

How you should use magic mouthwash varies based on the specific mixture and your doctor's guidance. Be sure to read and follow your prescription label.

Most people use miracle mouthwash every three to six hours. How much you use will depend on your condition and the rinse your doctor gives you. Your doctor should let you know a specific dose. A typical dose might be 10 milliliters (about two teaspoons) every three hours, up to six times a day.‌

Shake it well before using it for mouthwashing. Typically, you'll try to keep the mouthwash in your mouth for one to two minutes. Then spit it out. Avoid eating or drinking for at least half an hour afterward to let the medicine take effect. Ask your doctor or pharmacist any specific questions about your prescription.

You can also ask if refrigerating the mouthwash may make mouthwashing more pleasant. It works just as well at room temperature unless they say otherwise. Be sure to ask how long to use the mouthwash. Your doctor may only want you to use it for a short period, or they may tell you to use it whenever you feel the need.

Magic mouthwash usually costs $34-$84 for an 8-ounce bottle. Since most people use it several times a day, 8 ounces may not last a whole week. ‌The bottle can last for about a year, but check the package for specifics.

Check with your insurance provider to see if they cover magic mouthwash. Some insurance plans can cut your out-of-pocket costs, but others don’t cover it at all.

Although some research shows magic mouthwash can give relief for mouth sores, other studies have mixed results. Some studies found no benefit from the mouthwash.‌

In another study, magic mouthwash gave better pain relief to people who had head and neck radiation therapy than a flavored water mouthwash.

One study compared the mouthwash with benzydamine hydrochloride, a medicine that lowers swelling, pain, and inflammation. The results suggest that magic mouthwash with antacid was just as soothing for oral mucositis as benzydamine hydrochloride alone.

But it's hard to study magic mouthwash because there're so many different formulas. If it works for you, your pharmacist can mix or use a premeasured kit to make it.

Magic mouthwash differs from your regular mouthwash for one main reason — you need a prescription to get it. It may also have antibacterial, anesthetic, or antifungal ingredients in it, to name a few. Those aren't your typical over-the-counter mouthwashes that are used to freshen your breath. 

There are cheaper over-the-counter rinses that can ease your pain. Although cheaper than having your own custom mouthwash, these regular rinses may not work as well. Ask your doctor what's right for you.

If you're hoping for relief from over-the-counter mouthwash, read the ingredients carefully. Beware of medicines in the mixture that can cause reactions. 

Regular mouthwashes may contain alcohol that can irritate your mouth and worsen the pain. Sodium lauryl sulfate may be linked to canker sores. So, if you're sensitive, you'll want to avoid rinsing with it.

Compared to regular rinses, you'll likely swish your magic mouthwash for a longer amount of time. And you may not be able to eat for a little while after using it. Ask your doctor for specifics.

‌Miracle mouthwash contains different ingredients. Depending on what's in yours, you may get:

  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea
  • Drowsiness
  • Constipation
  • Problems with taste
  • A tingling or burning sensation in your mouth
  • Allergic reactions such as swelling of your eyes, mouth, or throat

Because your mouthwash is freshly mixed, ask your pharmacist or doctor about potential reactions. If you have any concerns, get medical help right away.

Magic mouthwash isn't the only way to prevent or manage your mouth sores.

Gargling with a homemade rinse made by mixing water with salt or baking soda can help ease the pain. This bland mix costs less than prescription mouthwash. It also has fewer side effects without chemicals such as alcohol.

You can find over-the-counter mouthwashes that ease pain, but they lack the medicines present in miracle mouthwash. They can help with some symptoms, depending on your condition and what you need.

Oral cryotherapy uses extreme cold to freeze your mouth sores in your mouth. It may work better for some people and has very low rates of side effects. If you get cryotherapy, you may get chills, headaches, and tooth pain. But it can help even with serious mucositis. 

Mouthwashing with morphine may be an option, too. A small study showed better results rinsing with morphine than with magic mouthwash. Your doctor may also suggest a gel to coat the inside of your mouth. This can shield your mouth sores to lower discomfort and infection.

Ask your doctor if a compounded or premade magic rinse can help. You can also ask if you can try any other recipes, or if a regular rinse can work.

If you get oral mucositis, your doctor can prescribe a magic mouthwash. We need more studies, but the prescription rinse may help lower inflammation and swelling to soothe mouth soreness. You can try regular mouthwash, but it may not work as well. Ask your doctor how to use and store your miracle mouthwash. Formulas vary, so get medical help right away if you have a reaction.

Where can I get magic mouthwash?

You can get magic mouthwash at a pharmacy if you have a prescription. Your pharmacist will mix it or use a premade formula to make it for you.

Is magic mouthwash safe for everyone?

This mouthwash has lots of ingredients and some can cause allergic reactions. It can contain antibiotics, antifungals, anesthetics, antacids, anticholinergics, and antihistamines. 

If you're sensitive to any of these, you should ask your health care provider or pharmacist about potential reactions. If you have any concerns or symptoms, get medical help right away.

Can you swallow magic mouthwash?

Always follow your medical provider's directions for magic mouthwash. The prescription label will tell you how to use your mouthwash and if you can swallow it or not.

Usually a topical treatment for mouth sores, it's likely OK if you swallow some. If you have any questions, call your doctor or ask your pharmacist.

Does magic mouthwash expire?

Check the prescription label for the expiration date and proper storage instructions for your mouthwash. If you have questions about how to use it or when it expires, consult your provider or pharmacist.