Alternative Names for Magic Mouthwash
Magic mouthwash is also called "compounded mouthwash," "diphenhydramine-lidocaine-antacid mouthwash," or "BMX mouthwash" (referring to Benadryl-Maalox-Xylocaine). 1, 2, 3
Standard Composition
The typical formulation contains three equal parts: 2, 3
- Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) - antihistamine with mild anti-inflammatory properties
- Viscous lidocaine (Xylocaine) - topical anesthetic for pain relief
- Magnesium aluminum hydroxide (Maalox/Mylanta) - antacid for coating and soothing
Important Context About Terminology
The term "magic mouthwash" is not standardized, and compositions vary significantly between institutions, making it difficult to evaluate efficacy consistently. 1, 4
Some institutions add other ingredients like nystatin or corticosteroids to their formulations, though the three-component version above is most common. 3
In medical literature and prescriptions, you may see it referred to by its components (e.g., "diphenhydramine-lidocaine-antacid solution") rather than the colloquial "magic mouthwash" term. 1, 2
Clinical Caveat
While magic mouthwash is widely used, the European Society for Medical Oncology found no evidence that it is effective for treating oral mucositis, and more evidence-based alternatives like 0.2% morphine mouthwash or 0.5% doxepin mouthwash are recommended for cancer patients with oral mucositis. 5, 2, 4, 6