Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsKey Similarities and DifferencesMaalox: What It Is and How It WorksWhat Is Mylanta?InteractionsAlternative Treatments
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Key Similarities and Differences
Maalox: What It Is and How It Works
What Is Mylanta?
Interactions
Alternative Treatments
Maaloxand Mylantaare two common over-the-counter (OTC) medications known as antacids. They treat gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms such asheartburn, acid indigestion, and upset stomach.Maalox and Mylanta are similar in their approved uses, active ingredients, mechanism and onset of action, and efficacy. They differ in their available formulations, and while their active ingredients are similar, they vary among products and formulations.
Understanding how Maalox and Mylanta work, what conditions they treat, and their differences and similarities can help you make informed choices about their use.
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Common active ingredients in Maalox and Mylanta include aluminum hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, calcium carbonate, and simethicone. Here are the key similarities and differences between them.
Additionally, some formulations of Maalox may contain simethicone,which helps to alleviate gas and bloating as needed.
Benefits of Maalox
Benefits of Maalox include:
Side Effects of Maalox
Side effects associated with Maalox use include:
Like Maalox, Mylanta is commonly used to alleviate heartburn, acid indigestion, and upset stomach symptoms.The active ingredients include aluminum hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide, which neutralize excess stomach acid to provide quick relief from discomfort.Some Mylanta formulations may contain the antacid calcium carbonate instead of aluminum hydroxide.
The Benefits of Mylanta
Benefits of Mylanta include:
The Side Effects of Mylanta
Side effects associated with Mylanta use include:
Maalox and Mylanta have similar ingredients and may interact with the following medications:
Maalox and Mylanta may cause changes in how some blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol medications are absorbed, which can impact how effective they are.
Taking your antacid of choice 4 hours before or 2 hours afterthe antibiotic’s administration may reduce the risk of an interaction.
Understanding which active ingredient the formulation contains can help better determine what interactions to be aware of. Discuss any concerns about potential interactions with your healthcare provider.
If Maalox or Mylanta aren’t the right fit for you, otheralternative treatmentsare available for managing heartburn, acid indigestion, and upset stomach.
OTC alternativesMedicationAntacidsH2 Receptor AntagonistsProton Pump InhibitorsExamplesTums, Rolaids (calcium carbonate)Pepicid (famotidine)Prilosec (omeprazole) Nexium (esomeprazole)UsesHeartburn, acid indigestion, and upset stomachAcid refluxAcid refluxSide effectsUpset stomach, vomiting, stomach painHeadacheHeadache, diarrhea, constipationSpecial considerationsShould only be used as needed. Those with kidney disease should use with caution.Should not be used for fast-acting relief. Those with impaired kidney or liver function should use with caution.Avoid long-term use. Those with heart disease should use with caution.In addition to medications, natural remedies such as ginger, chamomile tea, and aloe vera juice can help soothe the stomach. The following lifestyle changes can also help prevent symptoms:Avoid trigger foods (such as alcohol, caffeine, chocolate, citrus, and spicy foods)Eat smaller mealsElevate the head of your bedAvoid tight-fitting clothingMinimize stressConsulting with a healthcare provider is crucial in determining the best approach based on your symptoms and needs. It is important to inform your provider if your symptoms worsen or fail to improve.SummaryRegarding managing digestive discomfort, Maalox and Mylanta are OTC options that offer relief from symptoms like heartburn, acid indigestion, and upset stomach.Maalox combines aluminum hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide to neutralize stomach acid, and some formulations may also include simethicone to help reduce gas. Similarly, Mylanta contains aluminum hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, and simethicone, making it particularly effective for those who experience gas and bloating alongside acid-related issues. Both medications provide versatile and fast-acting relief.Despite their similarities, there are some key differences between Maalox and Mylanta. Mylanta is available in additional formulations that target symptoms like gas, while Maalox focuses more on acid reduction.Additionally, Mylanta’s consistent inclusion of simethicone makes it a go-to choice for those needing comprehensive relief from both acid and gas-related discomfort. Understanding these differences can help individuals choose the product that best suits their needs for effective digestive health management.
In addition to medications, natural remedies such as ginger, chamomile tea, and aloe vera juice can help soothe the stomach. The following lifestyle changes can also help prevent symptoms:
Consulting with a healthcare provider is crucial in determining the best approach based on your symptoms and needs. It is important to inform your provider if your symptoms worsen or fail to improve.
Summary
Regarding managing digestive discomfort, Maalox and Mylanta are OTC options that offer relief from symptoms like heartburn, acid indigestion, and upset stomach.
Maalox combines aluminum hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide to neutralize stomach acid, and some formulations may also include simethicone to help reduce gas. Similarly, Mylanta contains aluminum hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, and simethicone, making it particularly effective for those who experience gas and bloating alongside acid-related issues. Both medications provide versatile and fast-acting relief.
Despite their similarities, there are some key differences between Maalox and Mylanta. Mylanta is available in additional formulations that target symptoms like gas, while Maalox focuses more on acid reduction.
Additionally, Mylanta’s consistent inclusion of simethicone makes it a go-to choice for those needing comprehensive relief from both acid and gas-related discomfort. Understanding these differences can help individuals choose the product that best suits their needs for effective digestive health management.
14 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.DailyMed. LABEL:Maalox antacid - aluminum hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, simethicone liquid.DailyMed. LABEL:Mylanta maximum strength classic flavor - antacid and anti gas aluminum hydroxide magnesium hydroxide and simethicone suspension.MedlinePlus.Taking antacids.Prescribers' Digital Reference.Aluminum hydroxide.MedlinePlus.Aluminum hydroxide.Prescribers' Digital Reference.Magnesium hydroxide.MedlinePlus.Magnesium hydroxide.MedlinePlus.Calcium carbonate.Prescribers' Digital Reference.Simethicone.Ogawa R, Echizen H.Clinically significant drug interactions with antacids: an update.Drugs.2011;71:1839-1864. doi:10.2165/11593990-000000000-00000MedlinePlus.Heartburn.Medline Plus.Calcium carbonate.Medline Plus.H2 blockers.Medline Plus.Proton pump inhibitors.
14 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.DailyMed. LABEL:Maalox antacid - aluminum hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, simethicone liquid.DailyMed. LABEL:Mylanta maximum strength classic flavor - antacid and anti gas aluminum hydroxide magnesium hydroxide and simethicone suspension.MedlinePlus.Taking antacids.Prescribers' Digital Reference.Aluminum hydroxide.MedlinePlus.Aluminum hydroxide.Prescribers' Digital Reference.Magnesium hydroxide.MedlinePlus.Magnesium hydroxide.MedlinePlus.Calcium carbonate.Prescribers' Digital Reference.Simethicone.Ogawa R, Echizen H.Clinically significant drug interactions with antacids: an update.Drugs.2011;71:1839-1864. doi:10.2165/11593990-000000000-00000MedlinePlus.Heartburn.Medline Plus.Calcium carbonate.Medline Plus.H2 blockers.Medline Plus.Proton pump inhibitors.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
DailyMed. LABEL:Maalox antacid - aluminum hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, simethicone liquid.DailyMed. LABEL:Mylanta maximum strength classic flavor - antacid and anti gas aluminum hydroxide magnesium hydroxide and simethicone suspension.MedlinePlus.Taking antacids.Prescribers' Digital Reference.Aluminum hydroxide.MedlinePlus.Aluminum hydroxide.Prescribers' Digital Reference.Magnesium hydroxide.MedlinePlus.Magnesium hydroxide.MedlinePlus.Calcium carbonate.Prescribers' Digital Reference.Simethicone.Ogawa R, Echizen H.Clinically significant drug interactions with antacids: an update.Drugs.2011;71:1839-1864. doi:10.2165/11593990-000000000-00000MedlinePlus.Heartburn.Medline Plus.Calcium carbonate.Medline Plus.H2 blockers.Medline Plus.Proton pump inhibitors.
DailyMed. LABEL:Maalox antacid - aluminum hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, simethicone liquid.
DailyMed. LABEL:Mylanta maximum strength classic flavor - antacid and anti gas aluminum hydroxide magnesium hydroxide and simethicone suspension.
MedlinePlus.Taking antacids.
Prescribers' Digital Reference.Aluminum hydroxide.
MedlinePlus.Aluminum hydroxide.
Prescribers' Digital Reference.Magnesium hydroxide.
MedlinePlus.Magnesium hydroxide.
MedlinePlus.Calcium carbonate.
Prescribers' Digital Reference.Simethicone.
Ogawa R, Echizen H.Clinically significant drug interactions with antacids: an update.Drugs.2011;71:1839-1864. doi:10.2165/11593990-000000000-00000
MedlinePlus.Heartburn.
Medline Plus.Calcium carbonate.
Medline Plus.H2 blockers.
Medline Plus.Proton pump inhibitors.
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