Mouthwash recipe

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merg
merg Member Posts: 61
edited June 2014 in Managing Side Effects of Breast Cancer and Its Treatment

A friend highly recommended the "Magic Mouthwash", but she didn't know the recipe. Does anyone know what I'm talking about? Thanx.

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  • ziggypop
    ziggypop Member Posts: 1,071
    edited April 2014

    It's a prescription & is fairly pricey and from my own experience - you don't want to use it unless you really need it, but if you need it, then yep, it's better than the alternative. Those mouth sores that sting bad can move down into your esophagus, and the mm helps to prevent this.  

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  • leaf
    leaf Member Posts: 8,188
    edited April 2014

    Not sure, but I think the formula (off  the top of my head, so I may be slightly wrong) at my hospital is:

    sucralfate tablets, ground (this sticks to open sores) 3 grams (= 3 tablets)

    nystatin oral suspension (an antifungal) 3oz

    viscous lidocaine (anesthetic) 3oz

    maalox (antacid) 3oz

    diphenhydramine (generic benadryl-antihistamine) oral liquid 3 oz

    The first 3 ingredients are prescription items.

    I have no idea how it tastes.  I hope it isn't too vile.

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  • merg
    merg Member Posts: 61
    edited April 2014

    Is there an over the counter or diy recipe that's good?

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  • leaf
    leaf Member Posts: 8,188
    edited April 2014

    You can make a 'mouthwash' from the over the counter ingredients, but it obviously would lack the antifungal, anesthetic, and coating/protective actions.  I know of no over-the-counter substitution for carafate, nystatin, or viscous lidocaine suitable for internal use.

    Obviously, you could theoretically combine an over-the-counter fungal cream, a topical lidocaine cream, and, say, plaster of paris, but that is quite probably toxic and wouldn't have the same actions. Plaster of paris might obstruct your gastrointestinal tract.  Topical agents have different 'inert' and/or preservative ingredients than oral agents. They probably wouldn't disperse as an oral agent would. I am NOT suggesting that anyone do this!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  • GeorgiaRai
    GeorgiaRai Member Posts: 175
    edited April 2014

    I used the liquid antacid/liquid benedryl combination a couple times and it helped with mouth sores.  Couldn't hurt to try it first and then if it doesn't work, ask for a script for the other ingredients.  I think some pharmacists will make it for you if you have the proper prescription.

    Other ladies in my chemo group swore by swishing with extra virgin olive oil but the texture/consistency of the oil made me queasy.

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  • jbdayton
    jbdayton Member Posts: 700
    edited April 2014

    For mouth thrush - used a mixture of 1 part liquid children's benedryll, 1 part liquid Maalox (or equivalent) and 1 part liquid children's advil. My onc then ordered liquid lidocaine (prescription) to add a few drops to this mixture if raw tongue pain was really bad. This really helped and I had these bad symptoms each of my 6 treatments. I did this mixture 3 times a day in addition to the salt water mixture several other times during the day.

    Hope this helps.

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  • merg
    merg Member Posts: 61
    edited April 2014

    True, I wouldn't try anything like that. But I was just looking for anything else that might help.

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited April 2014

    My oncology clinic gave it to us free - but they didn't "advertise" it, so I wasn't initially aware of it. When I mentioned problems beginning with mouth sores & esophagitis, they handed me a couple of large bottles of the "swish & swallow" that a pharmacist makes up for them. It tasted pretty vile, but definitely helped - a lot.

    So ask at your oncology clinic - they just might have it for you - or can write a prescription for a pharmacist to compound it.

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  • SpecialK
    SpecialK Member Posts: 16,486
    edited April 2014

    merg - try holding ice in your mouth during the Taxotere infusion.  This can take about an hour so you need a supply of ice chips.  I brought a Tervis Tumbler (large insulated cup) full of ice chips from home, my center did not supply ice.  Magic Mouthwash has components that should only be used if you have sores, or thrush, but not sure if anyone uses it preventively, as it is a prescription.  You can get some Biotene toothpaste and mouthwash to start with, or avoid oral products that contain sodium laurel sulfate, as that seems to be the culprit for mouth sores.  Natural toothpaste brands are most likely not to have it.  A lot of people swish and spit this mixture several times a day during chemo:


    Every 3 hours during the day, mix together:




    1 cup warm water,
    1/4 teaspoon baking soda, and
    1/8 teaspoon salt.


    Take small sips and swish them around in your mouth. Then rinse with plain water.
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  • Golfingirl
    Golfingirl Member Posts: 40
    edited June 2014

    merg,

    I have the magic mouthwash. My doc prescribed it and it was covered by my insurance. It does taste lousy but works. The lidocaine instantly numbs everything. No over the counter will do that except chloraseptic  spray. 

    SpecialK's recipe sounds good. 

    Round two I rinsed my mouth every hour or so with warm water and used my waterpick as often as I could. It really helped prevent sores.

    Good luck.

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  • MelissaDallas
    MelissaDallas Member Posts: 7,268
    edited June 2014

    Oragel (or similar things) is benzocaine and over the counter. Might not be as strong as lidocaine, but might be worth a try adding some if you are trying to DIYS.

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