I've heard that "magic mouthwash" might help with mouth sores from chemotherapy. What is magic mouthwash?
Magic mouthwash is the term given to a solution used to treat mouth sores caused by some forms of chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
Mouth sores, also called oral mucositis, can be very painful. They can make it hard to eat, speak or swallow.
The formula for magic mouthwash varies. But it often has at least three of these basic ingredients:
- An antihistamine or anticholinergic agent, which may help relieve pain.
- A numbing agent to lessen pain and discomfort.
- An antacid that helps ensure the other ingredients coat the inside of your mouth well enough.
- An antifungal to cut fungal growth.
- A corticosteroid to treat swelling and irritation, called inflammation.
- An antibiotic medicine to kill germs around the sores.
- An antiviral medicine to kill viruses.
Most often, you use magic mouthwash every 4 to 6 hours. You hold it in your mouth before spitting it out or swallowing it. It's best not to eat or drink for 30 minutes after using magic mouthwash so that the medicine has time to work.
Magic mouthwash may affect taste. It can cause a burning or tingling feeling in the mouth and make you tired. It also can cause trouble passing stool, loose stools and upset stomach.
Magic mouthwash may provide some relief, but studies haven't shown that it prevents mouth sores or makes them heal faster. Because there isn't one set list of ingredients for magic mouthwash, it's hard to compare study results. Some recent research has shown that adding antiviral medicine to the mouthwash makes it work better. More research is needed.
There are several types of magic mouthwash. Some come in premeasured kits that pharmacists mix. Pharmacists can make other types of the mouthwash based on the needs of each person who takes it. Magic mouthwash is available by prescription from a healthcare professional.
Talk with your healthcare professional about your cancer treatments and which solutions for coping with mouth sores might be best for you.
Show References
- Abdelnasser A, et al. The role of compounded mouthwash with or without acyclovir in managing chemotherapy-induced oral mucositis in cancer patients: A randomized controlled trial. BMC Oral Health. 2025; doi:10.1186/s12903-025-06324-4.
- McElhiney LF. Magic mouthwashes: A literature review and discussion of common compositions. International Journal of Pharmaceutical Compounding. 2024;28:94.
- Galloway T, et al. Management and prevention of complications during initial treatment of head and neck cancer. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed July 10, 2025.
Original article: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/chemotherapy/expert-answers/magic-mouthwash/faq-20058071