Lidocaine mouthwash is used for managing oral pain from sores and oral treatments. Lidocaine is a powerful anesthetic used to numb the surfaces in the mouth. A lidocaine mouthwash is particularly effective for treating oral mucosal lesions, also called canker sores. A patient who complains of pain from canker sores will experience fast pain relief from a mouthwash that contains lidocaine.

A lidocaine mouthwash can also include corticosteroids, antifungals, and antihistamines to treat multiple aspects of stomatitis. A formulation with Maalox/Mylanta can help the lidocaine stay on the surfaces of the mouth longer and provide a protective coating to sensitive areas.

Lidocaine Mouthwash Formulations

These mouthwashes are usually prescribed to be used every 4-6 hours as needed and can be swallowed if there are also esophageal symptoms.  The most popular lidocaine mouthwash formulations we compound include:

#1

1 part viscous lidocaine 2%

1 part Maalox

1 part diphenhydramine 12.5 mg per 5 ml elixir

#2

80 ml viscous lidocaine 2%

80 ml Mylanta

80 ml diphenhydramine 12.5 mg per 5 ml elixir

80 ml nystatin 100,000U suspension

80 ml prednisolone 15mg per 5ml solution

80 ml distilled water

#3

80mL viscous lidocaine 2% 80mL

1000mg tetracycline

q.s. to 240mL diphenhydramine liquid 12.5mg/5mL