What is Listerine: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Listerine overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Advanced DNA Medicated Collection Kit II, Advanced DNA Medicated Collection Kit III, Alcohol Free Mouthwash, Astring-O-Sol, Biotene Dry Mouth Mouthwash, Biotene Oral Balance, Biotene PBF Dry Mouth Mouthwash, Listerine, Listerine Sensitivity, Listerine Ultraclean, Listerine Zero, Mouth Kote Remineralizing Mouth Rinse, Oasis Moisturizing Mouthwash, Oral Care Dry Mouth Mouthwash, Plax Advanced Formula

Generic Names:

  • Listerine

Uses:

  • Helps prevent oral plaque buildup on your teeth and gums. Also controls gingivitis (swollen gums) and bad breath.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Throat Agent

Forms:

  • Liquid, Spray

How it’s taken:

  • Into the mouth

What is Listerine used for?

What form(s) does Listerine come in

  • Liquid

  • Spray

What are common Listerine doses?

  • Bottle 95ML of

  • Bottle 500ML of

  • Bottle 1000ML of

Common Listerine prescriptions

  • Listerine
    250ml of bottle

How to take Listerine

  • For best results, do not eat or drink anything for at least 30 minutes after rinsing with mouthwash.

  • Use no more than 4 teaspoons of mouthwash each time.

  • Sip the mouthwash and hold it in your mouth, but do not swallow it. Swish the mouthwash in your mouth for at least 30 seconds, then spit it out.

  • For best results, do not eat or drink anything for at least 30 minutes after rinsing with mouthwash.

  • Use no more than 4 teaspoons of mouthwash each time.

  • Sip the mouthwash and hold it in your mouth, but do not swallow it. Swish the mouthwash in your mouth for at least 30 seconds, then spit it out.

What to do if you miss a dose of Listerine

  • Mouthwash is most effective when used daily in combination with regular tooth brushing and flossing.

  • If you forget to use the mouthwash, you may use it as soon as you remember. Do not use extra mouthwash to make up for a missed use.

Listerine contraindications

  • This medicine should not be given to a child under 12 years old.

Listerine warnings

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant, or if you have leukemia or any type of infection. Your teeth and gums may require special care if you have certain types of illness or disease.

  • Mouthwash may contain alcohol and can cause drunkenness or medical problems if you swallow it in large quantities.

  • Using mouthwash may cause a slight stinging if you have any type of mouth sore, canker sore, or oral infection.

  • Do not swallow mouthwash. It is only for rinsing your mouth.

  • Certain medicines can affect your gums and how you should care for them. These medicines include cyclosporine (Neoral®, Sandimmune®), phenytoin (Dilantin®), and birth control pills. Other medicines that can affect the gums include heart blood pressure medicine such as amlodipine, diltiazem, nifedipine, verapamil, Adalat®, Cartia®, Lotrel®, Norvasc®, Plendil®, or Tiazac®.

Listerine interactions

  • Using mouthwash may cause a slight stinging if you have any type of mouth sore, canker sore, or oral infection.

  • Do not swallow mouthwash. It is only for rinsing your mouth.

  • Mouthwash may contain alcohol and can cause drunkenness or medical problems if you swallow it in large quantities.

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant, or if you have leukemia or any type of infection. Your teeth and gums may require special care if you have certain types of illness or disease.

  • Certain medicines can affect your gums and how you should care for them. These medicines include cyclosporine (Neoral®, Sandimmune®), phenytoin (Dilantin®), and birth control pills. Other medicines that can affect the gums include heart blood pressure medicine such as amlodipine, diltiazem, nifedipine, verapamil, Adalat®, Cartia®, Lotrel®, Norvasc®, Plendil®, or Tiazac®.

Listerine side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Swollen, red, or bleeding gums, tooth loss or ongoing tooth pain (signs that you may need additional dental care).

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Burning or stinging of your mouth or throat.