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Omeprazole vs. Mylanta Maximum Strength

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

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:

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

Common Side Effects for Omeprazole

Adults

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

Childrensimilar 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

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

Price Card Drug Icon
Omeprazole30 capsules / 40mg
$8.60$104.49
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Price Card Drug Icon
Aluminum Hydroxide/Magnesium Hydroxide/Simethicone1 bottle / 355ml of 400mg/400mg/40mg/10ml
$12.43-
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