Mylanta vs Maalox: Compare Active Ingredients, Uses & More - Antacid Brand Comparison

Comparing Mylanta and Maalox for Heartburn and Acid Reflux

If you experience occasional heartburn, acid reflux, or indigestion after eating, you may reach for an over-the-counter antacid for fast relief from the painful burning sensation. Two popular antacid options are Mylanta and Maalox. But is one better than the other? Let's compare these two medications in detail.

What Are Antacids and How Do They Work?

Antacids are over-the-counter medications that help neutralize stomach acid and provide rapid relief from symptoms like heartburn, acid reflux, and indigestion. They work by neutralizing excess acid in your stomach and raising the pH balance to reduce acidity.

There are three main types of antacid ingredients:

• Calcium carbonate - Works by neutralizing stomach acid with calcium. Brands like Tums and Rolaids use this.
• Magnesium hydroxide - Works the same way as calcium carbonate. Found in Milk of Magnesia.
• Aluminum hydroxide - Reduces acidity by binding to excess acid. The most common ingredient found in antacids.

Most over-the-counter antacid products combine two or more of these ingredients for fast relief. The right antacid for you depends on your specific symptoms and preferences. Talk to your pharmacist if you need help choosing.

Key Differences Between Mylanta and Maalox

Both Mylanta and Maalox can provide quick relief from acid reflux, heartburn, gas, bloating, sour stomach, and other stomach issues. But there are some key differences between these two popular antacids:

• Active ingredients - Mylanta contains aluminum hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide. Maalox contains aluminum hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide plus simethicone.
• Simethicone - Maalox contains the extra anti-gas ingredient simethicone to relieve bloating, pressure, and gas in addition to acid symptoms. Mylanta does not have simethicone.
• Flavors - Mylanta comes in assorted fruit flavors like cherry and banana. Maalox does not have added flavors.
• Forms - Both Mylanta and Maalox come in chewable tablet and liquid forms. Maalox also offers convenient individually wrapped tabs.

Mylanta vs. Maalox: Side-by-Side Comparison

Here is a detailed side-by-side overview of how Mylanta and Maalox stack up against each other:

Features	Mylanta	Maalox
Active ingredients	Aluminum hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide	Aluminum hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, simethicone
Works for	Heartburn, acid reflux, sour stomach, indigestion	Heartburn, acid reflux, gas, bloating, sour stomach, indigestion
Form(s) available	Chewable tablets, liquid	Chewable tablets, liquid, individually wrapped tablets
Flavors	Cherry, mint, assorted fruit flavors for liquid	Original, mint, assorted flavors for liquids
Dosage	Adults: 2-4 teaspoons or tablets every 4 hours. Children: Consult pediatrician.	Adults: 2-4 teaspoons or tablets every 4 hours. Children: Consult pediatrician.
Price (average)	$10 for 12 oz bottle	$7 for 12 oz bottle

Common Features of Mylanta and Maalox

While Mylanta and Maalox have some differences, they do share a few key features in common:

• Both act as antacids to neutralize excess stomach acid.
• Both provide quick relief for heartburn, indigestion, and acid reflux symptoms.
• Both are available over-the-counter without a prescription.
• Both come in convenient chewable tablet and liquid forms.
• Both are generally safe when used as directed by adults and children over 12.
• Both may interact with some medications, so check with your doctor.

Mylanta vs. Maalox: Benefits and Side Effects

Understanding the benefits and potential side effects of Mylanta and Maalox can also help compare these two antacids:

Benefits

• Both provide rapid relief from heartburn, indigestion, and acid reflux.
• Both neutralize excess stomach acid to reduce discomfort.
• Both are readily available over-the-counter without a prescription.
• Mylanta offers pleasant fruity flavors for the liquid form.
• Maalox contains simethicone to reduce gas and bloating.

Potential Side Effects

• May cause constipation, diarrhea, or laxative effect from magnesium.
• Aluminum use long term can increase risk of bone issues and dementia.
• May interact with some medications - talk to your doctor.
• Liquid forms have high sodium content.

Who Should Take Mylanta or Maalox?

Both Mylanta and Maalox can provide effective occasional relief from heartburn, acid reflux, indigestion, and gas. They may be appropriate options for:

• Adults over 18 experiencing mild to moderate acid reflux or heartburn symptoms.
• Women needing relief from heartburn during pregnancy (check with OB/GYN for safety).
• Anyone looking for a portable or convenient over-the-counter antacid option.
• People wanting an antacid with simethicone to reduce bloating and gas pressure.

Check with your doctor before taking any antacid regularly or exceeding dosage guidelines. Not recommended for long-term daily use without medical supervision.

Who Should Avoid Mylanta and Maalox?

There are some cases where Mylanta and Maalox may not be the best options:

• Children under 12 years old (consult pediatrician first).
• People with kidney disease or impairment (magnesium can accumulate).
• Those on low magnesium, aluminum, sodium, or calcium diets.
• People taking medications that may interact like antibiotics or bisphosphonates.
• Anyone allergic to antacid ingredients.
• Individuals with GERD or frequent severe heartburn or reflux symptoms.

Pregnant women should also check with their OB/GYN before taking any antacid regularly. Seek prompt medical care for severe acid reflux or heartburn not relieved by over-the-counter treatments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some commonly asked questions about Mylanta and Maalox:

Is Mylanta or Maalox better for acid reflux?

Both can provide effective occasional relief from acid reflux symptoms. Maalox may work slightly faster as the simethicone helps relieve gas pressure and bloating as well. But Mylanta lasts longer with up to 4 hours of relief.

Is there a difference between Mylanta and Maalox liquid?

The main difference is that the Mylanta liquid form comes in fruity flavors like cherry and berry. Maalox liquid is unflavored but some supplement options have flavors. Both liquid antacids provide fast relief.

What's the difference between Maalox and Maalox Advanced?

Maalox Advanced contains magnesium hydroxide and aluminum hydroxide like regular Maalox. But it also contains simethicone to reduce gas and bloating. Check labels to compare active ingredients.

Can I take Mylanta and Maalox together?

It's generally not recommended to take Mylanta and Maalox at the same time since they are both antacids and contain similar ingredients. You only need one at a time for relief. Taking both together can increase your risk of side effects.

The Bottom Line

Both Mylanta and Maalox provide fast relief from heartburn, acid reflux, indigestion, and gas. Maalox may work slightly faster thanks to the simethicone. But Mylanta can provide longer lasting relief. Compare active ingredients and forms to decide which antacid is best for your symptoms.

Keep in mind that antacids like these are only meant for occasional use. See your doctor if you experience frequent or severe reflux symptoms that over-the-counter treatments can't relieve. Proper diet, lifestyle changes, and medications may be needed to treat chronic heartburn and GERD.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.