Magic Mouthwash for Oral Ulcers

What is Magic Mouthwash?

  • This is a homemade mixture of an antacid and antihistamine that helps coat the throat, reduce swelling and ease throat pain.
  • Ingredients are:
    • Liquid Maalox (generic: magnesium hydroxide/aluminum hydroxide)
    • Liquid Benadryl (generic: diphenhydramine HCl)

How Do You Make It?

  • Mix 1 oz of each medication together (1:1 concentration)
  • Once mixed, use the chart below to determine how much to give your child
Child's Weight
 Amount of Solution
18-20 lbs 2.5 ml (1/2 teaspoon)
21-25 lbs 3.75 ml (3/4 teaspoon)
26-37 lbs 5 ml (1 teaspoon)
38-45 lbs 6.25 ml (1 1/4 teaspoons)
> 45 lbs 7.5 ml (1 1/2 teaspoons)

How Do You Give It?

  • Give the weight appropriate dosage (as indicated above) every 3 hours as needed for pain. 
  • For younger children, you can apply this using a syringe or cotton swab. It is ok for them to swallow it to coat the back of the throat. Older children can swish, gargle, and swallow. 
  • Try to avoid having them eat or drink anything else for 20 minutes after the treatment.
  • For children >3 years, a children's chloraseptic spray may also be used for pain about 10 minutes before eating meals.