Mylanta Maximum Strength vs. Tums for Heartburn: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Key takeaways

Mylanta Maximum Strength and Tums are both antacids that help relieve heartburn. Mylanta Maximum Strength contains aluminum hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, and simethicone. Tums contain calcium carbonate. The simethicone ingredient in Mylanta Maximum Strength can help relieve gas. Common side effects of both medications include nausea and constipation. The magnesium hydroxide in Mylanta Maximum Strength can also cause diarrhea. If a healthcare professional tells you to avoid magnesium-containing products, Mylanta Maximum Strength isn’t a good option for you. Similarly, if you should be avoiding calcium-containing products, Tums aren’t a good option for you.

Mylanta Maximum Strength

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calcium carbonate

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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

Diarrhea
Nausea
Constipation

Warnings for Mylanta Maximum Strength

Toxicity from too much magnesium
Toxicity from too much aluminum

Summary for Tums

Over-the-counter

Calcium carbonate is an antacid. It's mainly used to relieve symptoms of acid reflux, such as heartburn and indigestion, for adults and children. Sometimes, providers might prescribe it as a supplement to prevent calcium deficiency. Calcium carbonate is available over the counter in several different formulations, including chewable tablets and oral solutions. Side effects from calcium carbonate are rare, but some people have reported constipation.

Indications for Tums

Heartburn
Indigestion
Sour or upset stomach

Pros and Cons for Tums

Pros

Works within minutes to treat heartburn symptoms
Chewable tablets come in many different flavors for better taste
Available as a lower-cost generic
Available over the counter

Cons

Shouldn't be used for longer than 2 weeks without speaking to a healthcare provider
Not the best option if you have high levels of calcium in your body
Can raise the risk of kidney stones in some people
Might need to take multiple tablets several times throughout the day