Mylanta vs Maalox: Which Is the Better Antacid?

By - Shaila Amaraj

Maalox and Mylanta are two prevalent fast-acting anti-gas medications. These two are often combined in antacid mixtures of aluminum and magnesium hydroxide. Maalox and Mylanta can treat heartburn among individuals aged 12 years and above.

Mylanta vs Maalox, which one is better for our health?

When deciding the best medicine to neutralize stomach acid, many choices are available! Both Mylanta and Maalox are famous for their health benefits. Still, one must be better than the other for its originality. It can be the ingredients or properties that ease the removal of gas from the gut.

The two drugs are not identical. Also, it might not be safe for everyone. Thus, we will look into the differences between Mylanta and Maalox today!

Mylanta vs Maalox

Antacids are a type of drug that counteracts the acid in the stomach. They have alkali, an element that serves as a base to neutralize stomach acid and make its pH more neutral. 

As we all know, the pH scale ranges from 1 to 14, where 7 is neutral. So anything below that is acidic, while above 7 is alkaline. Even so, normal gastric acid pH ranges from 1.5 to 3.5. Still, what’s the uniqueness of Mylanta vs Maalox?

Side Effects of Maalox

How do Mylanta and Maalox differ? All drugs may induce side effects. Yet, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects after consuming Maalox. The common side effects are constipation and diarrhea.

Even though it may be rare, some people produce fatal side effects when taking a drug for the first time. Thus, consult a doctor or reach for medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction. The manifestations include:

If any of these side effects distress you, enquire medical advice as soon as possible.  

Side Effects of Mylanta

Like Maalox, side effects due to Mylanta are not common, but they can occur. What are the causes of  Mylanta and/or Maalox liquid antacids taken off the market? 

In 2010, the authorities quit liquid Mylanta after traces of alcohol were present in it. Please consult a doctor if any of these symptoms are unbearable or do not cure in a week:

How to Use Mylanta and Maalox?

The most important part is to ensure the amount of liquid intake based on age. Remember not to exceed the greatest dose per day. Here’s where the product’s dosing cup comes in handy!

Shake liquid Mylanta and Maalox well before each use to blend the mixture. Furthermore, you can mix the syrup with water or juice to lessen the chalky flavor. Next, we have chewable tablets. Make sure to chew thoroughly because pills are less effective if swallowed whole. 

The instructions are pretty simple! Hence, follow the guidance on the Maalox and Mylanta ingredients and packaging labels. Later if you do not understand, clear your doubts with a healthcare provider. Moreover, prevent taking antacids for more than 14 days unless needed.

Mylanta vs Maalox: Ingredients

Maalox is a balanced mixture of two antacids, aluminum hydroxide, and magnesium hydroxide. The former is a slow-acting antacid, while the latter is a quick-acting one. They can reduce the acidity of the stomach’s juices.

Meanwhile, Mylanta is a powerful antacid with several formulations. It may include aluminum hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide, or calcium carbonate. These antacids can relieve heartburn, acid indigestion, and stomach gas symptoms. 

Besides antacids, simethicone is also mixed in the Maalox. It is an antiflatulent agent that can ease discomfort caused by gas accumulation.

Mylanta vs Maalox for Gas

Maalox can cure excessive stomach acid production that causes sore stomach and gas. Aluminum and magnesium antacids in the Maalox work fast to reduce the acid in the stomach. 

Little did you know that liquid antacids are faster-acting than tablets and capsules. Thus, it functions best on existing acid in the gut! Plus, it does not prevent the production of acid. So you can consume it alone or with other drugs that have a similar function.

Mylanta vs Maalox for GERD

Mylanta can treat the symptoms of gastritis, hiatal hernia, and peptic ulcers. Is Mylanta good for GERD? Yes, it is! Mylanta is also used to cure sour stomach and acid reflux symptoms.  

Mylanta comes in syrups, pills, gel caps, and chewable tablets for children. It does not have lactose, gluten, and saccharin sodium. But, Mylanta includes Mannitol which may cause loose stool in some people.

Maalox vs Mylanta: Pregnancy

Many pregnant women get heartburn in the third trimester. So remedies and simple lifestyle changes come to the rescue! But not every medication is safe to consume during pregnancy. 

But Tums are harmless! Chewable calcium carbonate pills are the first-line option for heartburn. Yet, antacids like Maalox and Mylanta are safe at the suggested dosage. 

But they’re not your best alternative while pregnant. Plus, excessive Aluminum can cause constipation and toxicity. So when it comes to Mylanta vs Maalox vs Tums in pregnancy, go for Tums straight away!

Mylanta or Maalox: Which Is Better for Upset Stomach and Constipation?

The main difference between Mylanta vs Maalox is that Mylanta contains simethicone. It is an anti-flatulence agent. It acts in the stomach and bowel to change the surface tension of gas bubbles. This unique ingredient gathers all the tiny bubbles of gas trapped in the gut. Finally, forming a massive bubble!

With that, trapped gas can expel by belching. Hence, Mylanta vs Maalox for gas, which is better? Maalox is better for stomach upset and constipation. Otherwise, these medications have various inactive ingredients and prices.

Mylanta vs Maalox Plus

Mylanta and Maalox Plus do not go along very well. They contain similar components, like aluminum hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, and simethicone. 

Thus, mixing them can result in a drug overdose. With that, serious complications can occur. A few worsening symptoms include constipation, diarrhea, and unusual stomach cramps.

Which Drugs Cannot Interact With Mylanta and Maalox?

Mylanta vs Maalox vs Gaviscon, can I take them all? If you’re keen to consume Maalox or Mylanta, consult a doctor or pharmacist. Then, enquire about how to schedule your medications to prevent drug interactions. 

Mylanta has poor interaction with the following drugs:

Meanwhile, Maalox may interact with certain medications like:

FAQs

Question: Are Maalox and Mylanta the same thing?

Maalox and Mylanta are both antacids containing aluminum hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide. They can reduce the stomach pH’s acidity. Still, they have different inactive ingredients and indications. Thus, these drugs are not interchangeable.

Question: Why is Maalox no longer available?

Maalox is off-market since the Lincoln facility did not entertain client complaints. Also, chipped particles from one packaging were present in the bottles of other drugs. Hence, Novartis Consumer Health decided to stop delivering Maalox in February 2012. 

Question: What is a good substitute for Maalox?

Mylanta is a splendid replacement for Maalox. But in recent times, Gaviscon is the best alternative for stomach upset. In short, these are duplicates of the same medication.

Question: What is Mylanta used to treat?

Mylanta can treat heartburn, food indigestion, or sore stomach caused by overeating. Sometimes, the content in Mylanta can be helpful among people with excessive gas. Yet, be careful if you have illnesses for which you need to control your magnesium intake.

Takeaways

In recent times, doctors have leaned on the power of Mylanta and Maalox to relieve gas problems. We hope Mylanta vs Maalox has provided a clear comparison for your understanding.

Antacids can interrupt the interactions of many other over-the-counter medicines. Thus, inform your doctor if you have any health problems or are allergic to the ingredients.