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Compare Pepcid AC vs. Mylanta Maximum Strength

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

Key takeaways

Famotidine (Pepcid AC) and aluminum hydroxide/magnesium hydroxide/simethicone (Mylanta Maximum Strength) are both used to treat heartburn, but they work differently and have different uses. Famotidine is a histamine-2 (H2) antagonist that reduces stomach acid production and is available both over-the-counter and by prescription. It can treat conditions like stomach ulcers and GERD. On the other hand, Mylanta Maximum Strength is a combination of two antacids and a gas relief medication, which neutralizes stomach acid and helps with gas symptoms. Mylanta works quickly, within minutes, but its effects last only about an hour, whereas famotidine takes about an hour to start working but lasts several hours. Famotidine is generally well-tolerated but can cause headaches and dizziness, while Mylanta can cause diarrhea due to its magnesium content. It's best to speak with a healthcare professional before using either medication during pregnancy. Both medications are available in generic forms and can be purchased over-the-counter.

  • Famotidine (Pepcid AC)
    Mylanta maximum strength
  • Famotidine (Pepcid AC)
    Mylanta maximum strength

  • Summary of Pepcid AC vs. Mylanta Maximum Strength

    Summary for Histamine H2 antagonist

    Famotidine (Pepcid AC) is a histamine-2 (H2) antagonist that's used to treat conditions that cause too much stomach acid to build up, such as heartburn and stomach or intestinal ulcers (sores). It starts to work within an hour and lasts for several hours. It's available as a tablet and a liquid, and is taken by mouth twice per day. Side effects of famotidine (Pepcid AC) include headache, dizziness, and constipation.

    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 Pepcid AC vs. Mylanta Maximum Strength

    Indications for

    Over-the-counter (OTC) famotidine

    •Prevention and treatment of heartburn (gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD)

    Prescription famotidine

    •Gastric ulcer (open sore in the stomach)
    •Duodenal ulcer (open sore in the first part of the small intestine)
    •Heartburn (GERD)
    •Erosive esophagitis due to GERD (inflammation of the esophagus)
    •Other conditions that cause too much stomach acid secretion (i.e., Zollinger-Ellison syndrome)
    Indications for

    Short-term relief of:

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

  • Pros and Cons of Pepcid AC vs. Mylanta Maximum Strength

    Pros and Const for Histamine H2 antagonist
    Pros
    •Starts to work within an hour and lasts for up several hours
    •Available as both a generic and over-the-counter option
    •If needed, can be used with some other acid-lowering medications, such as antacids (e.g., calcium carbonate (Tums)) or PPIs
    •Generally well-tolerated with little side effects
    •Available as a oral suspension, a good option for people who can't swallow tablets
    Cons
    •Antacids start to work more quickly than famotidine (Pepcid AC)
    •PPIs work better at healing and preventing stomach ulcers than famotidine (Pepcid AC).
    •Needs to be taken twice daily for most conditions
    •Not the best option for people with kidney problems
    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 Pepcid AC vs. Mylanta Maximum Strength

    Common Side Effects for
    •Headache
    •Dizziness
    •Constipation
    •Diarrhea
    Common Side Effects for
    •Diarrhea
    •Nausea
    •Constipation

  • Warnings of Pepcid AC vs. Mylanta Maximum Strength

    Common Side Effects for
    •Agitation, confusion, and other brain-related side effects
    •Possible risk of cancer
    Common Side Effects for
    •Toxicity from too much magnesium
    •Toxicity from too much aluminum

  • Prices with our coupons for Pepcid AC vs. Mylanta Maximum Strength

    Learn more about Famotidine
    Learn more about Mylanta maximum strength

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