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Compare Nexium vs. Mylanta Maximum Strength

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

Key takeaways

Esomeprazole (Nexium) and Mylanta Maximum Strength (aluminum hydroxide / magnesium hydroxide / simethicone) are both used to treat heartburn and acid reflux, but they work in different ways. Esomeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) that reduces stomach acid production and is available both over-the-counter and by prescription. It takes a few days to feel its full effects and sometimes requires longer-term treatment for certain conditions. On the other hand, Mylanta Maximum Strength is a combination of two antacids and a gas relief medication that neutralizes stomach acid and works within minutes, providing quick but short-term relief. Mylanta is available over-the-counter and is not recommended for use during pregnancy, while it's not known if it's safe to use esomeprazole during pregnancy. Esomeprazole has potential long-term side effects like bone weakening and low magnesium levels, whereas Mylanta can cause diarrhea and may not be suitable for people with kidney problems. Both medications have generic forms available, making them more affordable options.

  • Esomeprazole (Nexium)
    Mylanta maximum strength
  • Esomeprazole (Nexium)
    Mylanta maximum strength

  • Summary of Nexium vs. Mylanta Maximum Strength

    Summary for PPI

    Esomeprazole (Nexium) is a medication used to treat conditions that are caused by too much stomach acid, such as heartburn or acid reflux. It's available both with a prescription and over the counter (OTC). Take esomeprazole (Nexium) an hour before a meal so that it can start working before you eat. It can take a couple days for you to feel its full effects, so consider taking other quick-acting antacids in the meantime until the medication effect kicks in.

    Summary for Antacid / Antiflatulent

    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 of Nexium vs. Mylanta Maximum Strength

    Indications for

    For adults only:

    •Heartburn — OTC only
    •Lower the risk of stomach ulcer due to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID)
    •Lower the risk of duodenal ulcer caused by Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection
    •Other medical conditions that cause too much stomach acid (e.g., Zollinger-Ellison syndrome)

    For adults and children:

    •Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
    •Inflamed esophagus due to GERD
    Indications for

    Short-term relief of:

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

  • Pros and Cons of Nexium vs. Mylanta Maximum Strength

    Pros and Const for PPI
    Pros
    •Can continue to use with antacids, such as calcium carbonate
    •Provides longer-lasting relief than some other heartburn medications
    •Available as over-the-counter and lower-cost generic options
    •Granules or pellets inside the capsules can be mixed with water or applesauce, so convenient for people with difficulty swallowing pills
    Cons
    •Takes 1 to 4 days for the medication to fully kick in, so not the best choice for immediate heartburn relief
    •Significant interaction with clopidogrel (Plavix), which can raise the risk of blood clot
    •Long-term use might weaken bones and raise the risk of bone fracture
    •Can lower magnesium and vitamin B12 levels
    Pros and Const for Antacid / Antiflatulent
    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 of Nexium vs. Mylanta Maximum Strength

    Common Side Effects for
    •Headache (4-8%)
    •Belly pain (3-4%)
    •Diarrhea (2-4%)
    •Nausea (2%)
    •Passing gas (more than 1%)
    •Constipation (more than 1%)
    •Dry mouth (more than 1%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Diarrhea
    •Nausea
    •Constipation

  • Warnings of Nexium vs. Mylanta Maximum Strength

    Common Side Effects for
    •Risk of hiding symptoms of a more serious problem
    •Sudden kidney problems
    •Severe infectious diarrhea
    •Bone fractures
    •Skin reactions
    •Lupus
    •Low vitamin B12 and magnesium levels
    •Interaction with other medications
    Common Side Effects for
    •Toxicity from too much magnesium
    •Toxicity from too much aluminum

  • Prices with our coupons for Nexium vs. Mylanta Maximum Strength

    Learn more about Esomeprazole
    Learn more about Mylanta maximum strength

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