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

Key takeaways

Omeprazole (Prilosec) and Mylanta Maximum Strength (aluminum hydroxide / magnesium hydroxide / simethicone) both medications that can ease heartburn. Omeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI), and Mylanta Maximum Strength is an antacid. For mild heartburn, it’s usually best to try an antacid before a PPI, which are known to have more risks than antacids. Antacids also work more quickly than PPIs. However, if your heartburn is happening more than twice a week, or if you have a condition like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), antacids aren’t the best choice. In these cases, PPIs such as Prilosec may be a better option.

Omeprazole

(Prilosec)

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Mylanta Maximum Strength

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Summary for Omeprazole

Prescription or over-the-counter

Omeprazole (Prilosec) is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI). Over-the-counter (OTC) omeprazole (Prilosec) can ease heartburn, while the prescription version can treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and other conditions involving too much stomach acid. Omeprazole (Prilosec) is taken by mouth, typically once daily 30 minutes before breakfast. Some of the more common side effects of omeprazole (Prilosec) include headache, stomach pain, and nausea. It's available as both brand name and generic medications.

Indications for Omeprazole

For adults only:

Heartburn — OTC only
Stomach or duodenal ulcer
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

Pros and Cons for Omeprazole

Pros

Typically few to no noticeable day-to-day side effects
Provides longer-lasting relief than some other heartburn medications
Can use for adults, as well as children with certain medical conditions
Available as over-the-counter and lower-cost generic options

Cons

Interacts with many medications, such as digoxin (Lanoxin) and clopidogrel (Plavix)
Won't provide immediate heartburn relief
Usually taken 30 to 60 minutes before eating a meal for best results
Not recommended for long-term treatment, except for certain conditions, because of risk of serious side effects

Common Side Effects for Omeprazole

Adults

Headache (7%)
Belly pain (5%)
Nausea (4%)
Diarrhea (4%)
Vomiting (3%)
Passing gas (3%)

Children — similar to the above, with the addition of:

Respiratory system problems (up to 75%)
Fever (up to 33%)
Ear infection (up to 22%)

Warnings for Omeprazole

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
Inaccurate lab work

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

Prices with our coupons for Omeprazole vs. Mylanta Maximum Strength

Omeprazole30 capsules / 40mg

$8.60$104.46

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Aluminum Hydroxide/Magnesium Hydroxide/Simethicone1 bottle / 355ml of 400mg/400mg/40mg/10ml

$12.43$15.77

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Omeprazole vs. Mylanta Maximum Strength

Key takeaways

Omeprazole

Mylanta Maximum Strength

Summary for Omeprazole

Indications for Omeprazole

Pros and Cons for Omeprazole

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Omeprazole

Warnings for Omeprazole

Summary for Mylanta Maximum Strength

Indications for Mylanta Maximum Strength

Pros and Cons for Mylanta Maximum Strength

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Mylanta Maximum Strength

Warnings for Mylanta Maximum Strength

Prices with our coupons for Omeprazole vs. Mylanta Maximum Strength

Compare other Heartburn drugs

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Omeprazole

Mylanta Maximum Strength

Summary for Omeprazole

Indications for Omeprazole

Pros and Cons for Omeprazole

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Omeprazole

Warnings for Omeprazole

Summary for Mylanta Maximum Strength

Indications for Mylanta Maximum Strength

Pros and Cons for Mylanta Maximum Strength

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Mylanta Maximum Strength

Warnings for Mylanta Maximum Strength