An oral rinse composed of a viscous, mucoadhesive hydrogel, with potential protective and antimucositis activities. Upon gargling with the oral viscous mucoadhesive hydrogel formulation in the oral cavity, the hydrogel forms a protective barrier over the oral mucosa, which prevents inflammation of the mucosal membranes and may decrease chemotherapy- and/or radiation-induced oral mucositis. Check for active clinical trialsusing this agent.