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Alka-Seltzer vs. Mylanta Maximum Strength

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Alka-Seltzer (citric acid/aspirin/sodium bicarbonate) and Mylanta Maximum Strength (aluminum hydroxide/magnesium hydroxide/simethicone) are both over-the-counter medications used to relieve heartburn and indigestion. However, they belong to different medication classes and have distinct differences. Alka-Seltzer combines antacids with aspirin, an NSAID, to also address pain and inflammation, while Mylanta Maximum Strength includes antacids and simethicone, an antiflatulent, to relieve gas. Alka-Seltzer is available as dissolvable tablets, whereas Mylanta Maximum Strength is a liquid suspension. Alka-Seltzer is not recommended for children under 12 or during pregnancy due to the risk of Reye's syndrome and potential harm from aspirin. Mylanta Maximum Strength, on the other hand, is not recommended during pregnancy due to its aluminum content and potential for causing diarrhea. Common side effects of Alka-Seltzer include stomach bleeding and ulcers, while Mylanta Maximum Strength may cause diarrhea and nausea. Additionally, Alka-Seltzer can interact with blood thinners, increasing bleeding risk, whereas Mylanta Maximum Strength can interfere with the absorption of other medications.

Alka-Seltzer

 

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Mylanta Maximum Strength

 

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Summary for Alka-Seltzer

Over-the-counter

Alka-Seltzer is a medication used to treat symptoms of heartburn, such as upset stomach and headache. While there are multiple products under this brand, this page focuses on the combination medication containing 3 active ingredients: citric acid, sodium bicarbonate, and aspirin. It comes as tablets that are dissolved in water. You drink the mixture by mouth, typically every 4-6 hours as needed.

Indications for Alka-Seltzer

  • Heartburn, indigestion, and sour stomach with headache, body aches, or pain
  • Upset stomach and headache from having too much food or drink
  • Headache, body aches, and pain alone

Pros and Cons for Alka-Seltzer

Pros

  • Combination of three medications in a single pill
  • Easy to take for people who have trouble swallowing pills
  • Available over the counter

Cons

  • Might not be safe for children 12 years old and younger
  • Might need to take multiple times per day
  • Might not be safe for people with certain health conditions (e.g. kidney problems, heart problems, high bleeding risk)

Common Side Effects for Alka-Seltzer

See Risks and Warnings

Warnings for Alka-Seltzer

  • Stomach bleeding and ulcers
  • Reye's syndrome in children
  • Allergic reactions

Summary for Mylanta Maximum Strength

Over-the-counter

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.

Indications for Mylanta Maximum Strength

Short-term relief of:

  • Heartburn
  • Sour stomach
  • Indigestion
  • Gas (bloating, pressure, discomfort)

Pros and Cons for Mylanta Maximum Strength

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

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

Common Side Effects for Mylanta Maximum Strength

Warnings for Mylanta Maximum Strength

  • Toxicity from too much magnesium
  • Toxicity from too much aluminum

Prices with our coupons for Alka-Seltzer vs. Mylanta Maximum Strength

Price Card Drug Icon
Alka-Seltzer1 carton / 2 effervescent tablets of 1000mg/325mg/1916mg
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Price Card Drug Icon
Aluminum Hydroxide/Magnesium Hydroxide/Simethicone1 bottle / 355ml of 400mg/400mg/40mg/10ml
$13.13-
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