Medications for Treating Metallic Taste in the Mouth

First-Line Treatments

• The American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases recommends alpha-lipoic acid at a dosage of 200-600 mg daily in divided doses for treating metallic taste associated with burning mouth syndrome 1

Alternative Treatments

• The European Society for Medical Oncology suggests using benzydamine hydrochloride rinse every 3 hours, particularly before eating, for burning mouth syndrome with metallic taste 2
• The American College of Gastroenterology recommends using magic mouthwash formulations containing viscous lidocaine 2% (15 mL per application) for burning mouth syndrome with metallic taste 2
• The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research suggests using clobetasol propionate 0.05% mixed with Orabase applied directly to affected areas for burning mouth syndrome with metallic taste 2

Special Considerations

• The American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases recommends trientine (750-1500 mg/day in divided doses) for treating metallic taste related to Wilson's disease 1
• The American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases suggests using zinc (dosage based on elemental zinc) to interfere with copper uptake for treating metallic taste related to Wilson's disease 1
• The American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases recommends monitoring 24-hour urinary copper excretion to assess treatment adequacy for metallic taste related to Wilson's disease 1

Supportive Measures

• The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research recommends applying white soft paraffin ointment to lips every 2-4 hours for patients with metallic taste 3
• The American Dental Association suggests using warm saline mouthwashes daily for oral hygiene for patients with metallic taste 3