Products
Some drugs are commercially available as mouthwashes. A selection of the active ingredients they contain is listed below:
- Local anesthetics: Lidocaine
- Disinfectant: chlorhexidine
- Herbal extracts: chamomile, sage, echinacea, mallow.
- Anti-inflammatory: benzydamine
- Antibiotics: Tyrothricin
Structure and properties
Mouthwashes are liquid dosage forms for the administration of active pharmaceutical ingredients into the mouth and throat. They are solutions, emulsions, or suspensions. Examples of excipients in mouthwashes:
- Purified water
- Ethanol
- Polyols such as glycerol and propylene glycol
- Emulsifiers
- Acidity regulators: acids such as citric acid, bases such as sodium hydroxide.
- Sweeteners such as saccharin and xylitol.
- Flavorings such as menthol, vanillin and essential oils.
- Colorants such as azorubin
- Preservatives such as the parabens
- Antioxidants
Effects
Oral sprays, for example, have antiseptic (disinfectant), antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, astringent, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory properties. They are usually locally effective and do not usually exert systemic pharmacological effects. Except as side effects when absorbed through the oral mucosa or swallowed.
Indications for use
Indications for use include (selection):
- Sore throat, difficulty swallowing
- Streptococcal angina
- Infections of the mouth and throat
- Tonsillitis
- Oral thrush
- Gum inflammation, bleeding gums
- Inflammation and injuries of the oral mucosa
- Aphthae
- Before and after dental or surgical treatment.
- Bad breath
- Hoarseness, scratchy throat
- For oral hygiene, for the prevention and treatment of diseases of the teeth and gums.
Dosage
According to the professional information. The preparations can be used for mouth rinsing, gargling and topical application. The liquid is usually not swallowed, but spit out after use. The maximum number of applications per day should be observed. Some mouthwashes must be diluted with water before use.
Contraindications
Refer to the drug label for complete precautions.
Adverse effects
Possible adverse effects include local reactions in the mouth and throat, for example, burning, redness, disturbance of taste sensation, discoloration of the tongue, teeth, and dentures, and hypersensitivity reactions.