Skip to main content

Compare
Mylanta Maximum Strength vs. Calcium carbonate/magnesium hydroxide

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

Key takeaways

Aluminum hydroxide/magnesium hydroxide/simethicone (Mylanta Maximum Strength) and calcium carbonate/magnesium hydroxide (Rolaids) are both over-the-counter medications used to relieve heartburn and indigestion, but they have some differences. Mylanta Maximum Strength contains three active ingredients: aluminum hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide, which are antacids, and simethicone, which helps relieve gas. In contrast, Rolaids contains only two active ingredients: calcium carbonate and magnesium hydroxide, both of which are antacids. Mylanta Maximum Strength is available as a liquid, while Rolaids comes in chewable tablets. Mylanta Maximum Strength can cause diarrhea due to its magnesium content, whereas Rolaids can lead to high blood calcium levels, especially in people with kidney problems. Additionally, Mylanta Maximum Strength is not recommended during pregnancy, while Rolaids might be used with caution depending on the trimester. Both medications provide fast relief but should not be used for more than two weeks without consulting a healthcare provider.

Mylanta Maximum Strength

 

Get free coupons

Rolaids

 

Get free coupons

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

Summary for Calcium carbonate/magnesium hydroxide

Over-the-counter

Rolaids is a combination medication containing calcium and magnesium. It provides fast symptom relief for heartburn and indigestion.

Indications for Calcium carbonate/magnesium hydroxide

  • Heartburn
  • Indigestion
  • Relief of sour stomach

Pros and Cons for Calcium carbonate/magnesium hydroxide

Pros

  • Provides fast relief for heartburn and indigestion
  • Can buy over the counter (OTC), without a prescription
  • There are tablets and soft chews in a variety of flavors (Rolaids brand)

Cons

  • Doesn't last as long as other heartburn medications, like famotidine (Pepcid) and omeprazole (Prilosec)
  • Not meant for long-term use
  • Interacts with the absorption of some other medications, such as certain antibiotics

Common Side Effects for Calcium carbonate/magnesium hydroxide

See Risks and Warnings

Warnings for Calcium carbonate/magnesium hydroxide

  • Medication interactions
  • High blood calcium

Prices with our coupons for Mylanta Maximum Strength vs. Calcium carbonate/magnesium hydroxide

Price Card Drug Icon
Aluminum Hydroxide/Magnesium Hydroxide/Simethicone1 bottle / 355ml of 400mg/400mg/40mg/10ml
$12.54-
Get free coupons
More Information
Price Card Drug Icon
Calcium Carbonate/Magnesium Hydroxide30 chewable tablets / 675mg/135mg
--
Get free coupons
More Information

Browse medications by letter

Show All

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