Magic Mouthwash Compound

What Is a Magic Mouthwash Compound?

A magic mouthwash compound is a prescription mouth rinse that combines several medications into one liquid. A typical compound magic mouthwash pairs a numbing agent (like lidocaine) with an antihistamine (like diphenhydramine, the active ingredient in Benadryl) and a coating antacid (like Mylanta), and some formulas add an antifungal, a steroid or an antibiotic depending on what’s causing the pain.

Because there is no single, mass-produced “magic mouthwash” on pharmacy shelves, it has to be compounded. That’s where a compounding pharmacy comes in: our pharmacists measure and mix each ingredient to the ratio written on your prescription, so you get the exact formula your prescriber intended. Watkins is a 503A pharmacy, which means every mouthwash we compound is made for a specific, named patient under an individual prescription, not produced ahead of time and stocked for general sale.

Who Is Magic Mouthwash For?

Prescribers most often turn to magic mouthwash when mouth pain makes it hard to eat, drink, talk or swallow. Common reasons include:

• Oral mucositis from cancer treatment: Chemotherapy and radiation to the head and neck can cause painful inflammation and sores throughout the mouth. Magic mouthwash is widely used to ease that pain so patients can keep eating and drinking during treatment.
• Canker sores and other mouth ulcers: For recurring or severe sores, a formula with a steroid or tetracycline may be prescribed to calm inflammation and help them heal.
• Oral thrush (candidiasis): Formulas that include nystatin, an antifungal, treat yeast overgrowth in the mouth while the other ingredients soothe the soreness that comes with it.
• Other painful mouth conditions: Including soreness after oral surgery or dental procedures, inflammatory conditions of the mouth lining, and sore throat or esophageal irritation (when your prescriber directs you to swish and swallow).

Your prescriber decides which formula fits your situation. If you’ve been told you need “magic mouthwash” and aren’t sure which version, our pharmacists are happy to explain what’s in yours.

Mouthwash Formulas We Compound

Each of our standard formulas is named for its ingredients, using the letter codes below. All are dosed by the teaspoon (5 ml), and your prescriber specifies whether to swish and spit or swish and swallow, and how many times per day.
Ingredient key: B = Benadryl (diphenhydramine) · D = dexamethasone · H = hydrocortisone · M = Mylanta · N = nystatin · P = prednisolone · T = tetracycline · X = Xylocaine (lidocaine) · W = water

Custom Compound Mouthwash Formulas

Need something that isn’t on the list? We regularly compound custom mouthwash formulas, including blends with hydrocortisone or tetracycline, different ratios, or a version without a specific ingredient for patients who can’t tolerate it. Prescribers can call our compounding lab directly at 231-683-1708 to work out a custom formula.

Why Use a Magic Mouthwash Compounding Pharmacy

A retail pharmacy may be able to mix a basic magic mouthwash, but a dedicated compounding pharmacy is set up to do it precisely and consistently, and to go beyond the basic recipe when your prescriber needs to. At Watkins, that means:

• Exact ratios, every time. Each ingredient is measured to the proportions written on your prescription.
• Formulas built around the patient. Adding an antifungal, swapping a steroid or leaving out an ingredient is routine for us, not a special request.
• Pharmacists who talk to your prescriber. Our compounding team works directly with oncology offices, dental practices and physicians to confirm the details of every compound before it’s prepared.
• PCAB accreditation. Watkins is a PCAB accredited compounding pharmacy, a voluntary standard for quality and safety in compounding.
• A century in West Michigan. Family owned and operated for over 100 years.

How Patients Get Compounded Magic Mouthwash

Magic mouthwash requires a prescription, so the first step is talking with your doctor, dentist or oncologist about your mouth pain. If they prescribe it, they’ll send Watkins a written prescription specific to you, and our pharmacists compound it to those exact specifications.

Already have a prescription from your provider? You can transfer it to Watkins or ask your provider to send it to us directly, then pick it up at our Muskegon pharmacy or have it delivered. New compounding patients can also fill out our Compounding Patient Information form ahead of time.

Using your mouthwash: Measure one teaspoon (5 ml), swish it around your mouth, then spit it out or swallow it as your prescription directs. Because most formulas contain a numbing agent, ask your pharmacist how long to wait before eating or drinking afterward, since a numb mouth or throat makes it easier to bite your cheek or have trouble swallowing.

For Oncologists, Dentists and Prescribers

Every compound requires an individual, written prescription. Download our mouthwash order form, choose a standard formula or write in a custom one, mark swish and spit or swish and swallow along with frequency, then fax or email it to our pharmacy team.

• Fax: 231-737-1329
• Email: watkinspharmacy@watkinspharmacy.com
• Compounding lab direct: 231-683-1708 (custom formulas and formulation questions)
• Physician prescription refills: 231-498-3020

Our lab works directly with your office on custom compound mouthwash requests, including formulas not listed on the standard form.

Serving Patients and Prescribers Across West Michigan

As a magic mouthwash compounding pharmacy, Watkins serves cancer centers, dental and oral surgery practices, physicians and patients in Muskegon, Grand Rapids, Holland, Traverse City and the surrounding West Michigan region. Our pharmacy is located at 1391 E Sherman Blvd in Muskegon, directly across from Mercy Health Partners Sherman Campus.

Frequently Asked Questions