provider image
Welcome! You’re in GoodRx for healthcare professionals. Now, you’ll enjoy a streamlined experience created specifically for healthcare professionals.
Skip to main content

aluminum hydroxide / magnesium hydroxide / simethicone

Generic Mylanta Maximum Strength
Used for Heartburn, Gas
Used for Heartburn, Gas

Mylanta Maximum Strength is a combination medication containing three active ingredients: two antacids (aluminum hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide) and a gas medication (simethicone). It's used to help relieve the symptoms of heartburn, acid reflux, and gas. This medication is available over the counter (OTC) as a liquid for people ages 12 years and older. The dosage is 10 to 20 mL taken by mouth in between meals and at bedtime as needed. Possible side effects include diarrhea and nausea.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Sarah Lobello Pearson, PharmD
reviewer
Robert Chad Hakim, PharmD, BCCCP
Last reviewed on January 28, 2024
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageAlternativesLatest newsReferencesPricesMedicare
basics-icon

What is Mylanta Maximum Strength?

What is Mylanta Maximum Strength used for?

Short-term relief of:

  • Heartburn

  • Sour stomach

  • Indigestion

  • Gas (bloating, pressure, discomfort)

How Mylanta Maximum Strength works

Mylanta Maximum Strength is a combination of three different medications.

  • Aluminum hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide are antacids that neutralize stomach acid to relieve symptoms like heartburn and sour stomach.

  • Simethicone is a gas medication. Simethicone works by causing gas bubbles to be more flexible. This allows gas bubbles to gather together and become larger bubbles in the intestines. Then, your body can pass the gas more easily.

Are you looking for information on simethicone (Gas-X) or Rolaids (calcium carbonate / magnesium hydroxide) instead?
When does Mylanta Maximum Strength start working?
Time passed since treatment started:
MINUTES
HOURS
DAYS
WEEKS
MONTHS
Full effect

Drug Facts

Common BrandsMylanta Maximum Strength, Almacone Double Strength
Drug ClassAntacid / Antiflatulent
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusNo lower-cost generic available
AvailabilityOver-the-counter
coupon-save-icon

Get your GoodRx coupon

Avg retail price
$8.14(save 42.19%)
GoodRx discount
$4.71
See prices
basics-icon

What are the side effects of Mylanta Maximum Strength?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Too much magnesium: flushed skin, nausea or vomiting, weak muscles
  • Too much aluminum: weakness, tremor, speech problems, bone pain, seizures
When do Mylanta Maximum Strength possible side effects begin and end?
Time passed since treatment started:
MINUTES
HOURS
DAYS
WEEKS
MONTHS
Diarrhea
Constipation
If a line continues to the right, you'll likely keep experiencing this side effect once it starts.

Source: DailyMed

More on Mylanta Maximum Strength side effects

aluminum-hydroxide-magnesium-hydroxide-simethicone: side effects mylanta

5 Mylanta Side Effects and How to Manage Them

Written by Brian Leonard, PharmD, BCACP, BCGP

The following side effects have also been reported

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

  • Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
  • High magnesium level—confusion, drowsiness, facial flushing, redness, sweating, muscle weakness, fast or irregular heartbeat, trouble breathing

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Mylanta Maximum Strength

thumbs-up

Pros

Provides fast relief (within several minutes)

Can take multiples times throughout the day for continued symptom relief

Comes as a flavored suspension

Available as a lower-cost generic medication

Can be purchased over the counter (OTC), without a prescription

thumbs-down

Cons

Doesn't last as long as other types of heartburn medications

Can interfere with how well other medications are absorbed into the body

Might not be a good option for people with kidney problems or on a magnesium-restricted diet

Not recommended for use during pregnancy

Contains magnesium, so can cause diarrhea

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Mylanta Maximum Strength

pharmacist

  • Double check your medication label to make sure you have the right Mylanta product. There are several Mylanta products that contain different active ingredients with different directions.

    • Store Mylanta Maximum Strength at room temperature. Make sure to shake the suspension well before measuring out your dose.

      • Use a dosing syringe or medication cup to measure your dose of the suspension in milliliters (mL). Don't use household spoons to measure out Mylanta Maximum Strength. They might not be accurate, even if you're specifically using a teaspoon or tablespoon. Talk to your pharmacist or provider if you don't have a proper dosing device.

        • Don't take the maximum dose of any formulation of this medication every day for more than 2 weeks. Contact your provider if your symptoms don't improve after 2 weeks.

          • There are many other over-the-counter medications that contain aluminum hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, and simethicone. Taking too much of these ingredients can raise your risk for side effects. Ask your provider or pharmacist if you're not sure whether you're already taking a medication that has one of these ingredients.

            • Talk to your provider before you take Mylanta Maximum Strength if you have kidney problems. Magnesium and aluminum can build up in the body for people with kidney problems, and this can be dangerous.

              • Mylanta Maximum Strength contains magnesium. This medication might not be appropriate if you're following a magnesium-restricted diet. Ask your provider before using this medication if you're limiting your magnesium intake.

                faqs

                Frequently asked questions about Mylanta Maximum Strength

                Does Mylanta Maximum Strength cause diarrhea?
                It's possible. Magnesium hydroxide, which is one of the antacids in Mylanta Maximum Strength, is known to cause diarrhea. It's best to lower your dose or stop taking the medication if you're having diarrhea from Mylanta Maximum Strength. Contact your provider if any diarrhea continues.
                How long does Mylanta Maximum Strength take to work?
                The antacids in Mylanta Maximum Strength, aluminum hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide, typically work within several minutes and last for about an hour. Simethicone, the third ingredient in Mylanta Maximum Strength, also works within a few minutes to help with gas.
                Is Mylanta Maximum Strength the same as Maalox?
                No, Mylanta Maximum Strength and Maalox are two different medications, even though they both have the same active ingredients (aluminum hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, and simethicone). Maalox is no longer available on the market.
                How often can you take Mylanta Maximum Strength?
                Adults and children ages 12 years and older can take Mylanta Maximum Strength between meals and at bedtime. Don't go over the maximum dose of 60 mL (or 12 teaspoonfuls) in a 24-hour period. Follow your provider's directions if they gave you different instructions than what's on the medication box.
                Can you take Mylanta Maximum Strength while pregnant?
                No, you shouldn't take Mylanta Maximum Strength while you're pregnant. This medication contains aluminum hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, and simethicone. Aluminum hydroxide isn't recommended during pregnancy because it can cause constipation and lower the amount of calcium in your body. Also, there isn't enough information to know whether magnesium hydroxide is safe to take while pregnant. Calcium carbonate (Tums) is considered a safer choice for relieving heartburn during pregnancy. You can take simethicone on its own for gas relief. Simethicone isn't absorbed into the bloodstream, so it shouldn't affect your baby. Regardless, it's always best to talk to your provider before taking any medications while pregnant.
                Does Mylanta Maximum Strength need to be refrigerated?
                No. Store Mylanta Maximum Strength at room temperature. Don't put it in the refrigerator or freezer because this can damage the medication.
                What's the difference between Mylanta Maximum Strength and Pepto?
                Both Mylanta Maximum Strength and bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) are used to relieve symptoms of upset stomach like heartburn, indigestion, gas, and burping. But bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) can also treat diarrhea, whereas Mylanta Maximum Strength can potentially cause diarrhea. Another difference is the active ingredients of each brand. Mylanta Maximum Strength is a combination of aluminum hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, and simethicone. On the other hand, the active ingredient in Pepto is bismuth subsalicylate.
                GoodRxEducationalIcon

                How to save using GoodRx

                Compare Prices
                1. Compare PricesSpecify your dosage and quantity to find out exactly how much you can save.
                Select your free coupon
                2. Select your free couponYou can use the displayed coupon, or compare prices at other pharmacies near you.
                Show coupon to your pharmacist
                3. Show coupon to your pharmacistPresent your printed or electronic coupon when you pick up your prescription.
                Get free couponLearn more
                warings-icon

                What are the risks and warnings for Mylanta Maximum Strength?

                Mylanta Maximum Strength can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

                risk-warning

                Toxicity from too much magnesium

                • Risk factors: Kidney problems | Taking other medications containing magnesium

                  Mylanta Maximum Strength contains magnesium. Your kidneys help remove magnesium from the body. So if your kidneys don't work well, magnesium can build up in your blood. Additionally, taking other medications containing magnesium can raise your risk for high magnesium levels too. Too much magnesium can lead to serious complications, like low blood pressure, irregular heartbeats, muscle and reflex problems, and breathing problems.

                  Contact your provider right away if you're taking Mylanta Maximum Strength and you have flushed skin, nausea or vomiting, and weak muscles. These can be early signs of having too much magnesium in your blood.

                  risk-warning

                  Toxicity from too much aluminum

                  • Risk factors: Kidney problems | Taking other medications containing aluminum

                    Mylanta Maximum Strength contains aluminum. Taking too much Mylanta Maximum Strength can cause high blood aluminum levels. This can lead to aluminum toxicity, which can include nervous system or bone problems.

                    Don't take Mylanta Maximum Strength if you have kidney problems without speaking with your provider first to make sure it's safe for you to use. Avoid taking other medications that have aluminum in them to avoid having aluminum levels that are too high. Contact your provider if you notice any signs or symptoms of aluminum poisoning like weakness, speech problems, movement problems, bone pain, or seizures.

                    dosage

                    Mylanta Maximum Strength dosage forms

                    The average cost for 1 bottle of 355ml of 400mg/400mg/40mg/10ml of Mylanta Maximum Strength is $4.87 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 40.2% off the average retail price of $8.14.
                    bottle of oral suspension
                    Bottle of oral suspension
                    DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                    355ml of 400mg/400mg/40mg/10ml1 bottle$4.87$4.87
                    355ml of 800mg/800mg/80mg/10ml1 bottle$4.71$4.71

                    Typical dosing for Mylanta Maximum Strength

                    Mylanta Maximum Strength contains 400 mg of aluminum hydroxide, 400 mg of magnesium hydroxide, and 40 mg of simethicone per 5 mL.

                    • Adults and children ages 12 years or older: The typical dose is 2 to 4 teaspoonfuls (or 10 to 20 mL) between meals, at bedtime, or as directed by your provider. Don't take more than 12 teaspoonfuls (60 mL) in a 24-hour period.

                    • Children under 12 years old: Ask your child's provider.

                    alternatives

                    What are alternatives to Mylanta Maximum Strength?

                    There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Mylanta Maximum Strength. Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                    Mylanta Maximum Strength
                    Used for:

                    Short-term relief of:

                    • Heartburn

                    • Sour stomach

                    • Indigestion

                    • Gas (bloating, pressure, discomfort)

                    $4.71 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                    Simethicone
                    Used for:

                    • Short-term relief of pressure, bloating, and fullness from excess gas

                    $2.95 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                    Pepcid Complete
                    Used for:

                    • Heartburn associated with acid indigestion and sour stomach

                    $25.69 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices

                    Get savings updates for Mylanta Maximum Strength

                    Receive price alerts, news, and other messages from GoodRx about Mylanta Maximum Strength and other healthcare topics and relevant savings offers.

                    By signing up, I agree to GoodRx's Terms and Privacy Policy, and to receive marketing messages from GoodRx.

                    References

                    Best studies we found

                    Ajib, F. A., et al. (2022). Magnesium toxicity. StatPearls.

                    Black, R. A., et al. (2003). Over-the-counter medications in pregnancy. American Family Physician.

                    Bohrer, D., et al. (2006). Drugs as a hidden source of aluminium for chronic renal patients. Nephrology Dialysis Transplantation.

                    View All References (7)

                    Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Protect your child: Use the right tool to give the right dose.

                    Cunningham, J., et al. (2012). Magnesium in chronic kidney disease Stages 3 and 4 and in dialysis patients. Clinical Kidney Journal.

                    Infirst Healthcare Inc. (2024). Mylanta Maximum Strength Classic Flavor- antacid and anti gas aluminum hydroxide magnesium hydroxide and simethicone suspension [package insert]. DailyMed.

                    Ingold, C. J., et al. (2023). Simethicone. StatPearls.

                    MedlinePlus. (2022). Taking antacids.

                    Rahimzadeh, M. R., et al. (2022). Aluminum poisoning with emphasis on its mechanism and treatment of intoxication. Emergency Medicine International.

                    Salisbury, B. H., et al. (2023). Antacids. StatPearls.

                    GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
                    Was this page helpful?

                    Browse medications

                    View All

                    Research prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.