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

  • Summary of Pepcid vs. Mylanta Maximum Strength

    Summary for Histamine H2 antagonist

    Famotidine (Pepcid) is a type of acid reducer called a histamine-2 (H2) antagonist. It helps treat problems caused by too much stomach acid. Over-the-counter famotidine (Pepcid or Pepcid AC) can help with heartburn in people who are 12 and up. Prescription-only famotidine is for people with more ongoing stomach acid problems and stomach or gut ulcers. This medication is taken by mouth once or twice a day. It usually starts to work within an hour and lasts several hours. Side effects 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 vs. Mylanta Maximum Strength

    Indications for
    •

    Over-the-counter famotidine:

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

    Prescription famotidine:

    •Stomach ulcers
    •Intestinal ulcers
    •Heartburn (GERD)
    •Erosive esophagitis (inflammation of the esophagus) due to GERD
    •Other conditions that cause too much stomach acid (e.g., Zollinger-Ellison syndrome)
    Indications for

    Short-term relief of:

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

  • Pros and Cons of Pepcid vs. Mylanta Maximum Strength

    Pros and Const for Histamine H2 antagonist
    Pros
    •Available over the counter (OTC) for heartburn
    •Effects can last for up to several hours after taking
    •Generally well-tolerated with few side effects and risks
    •Can take with antacids if needed (e.g., calcium carbonate (Tums))
    Cons
    •Can take 1 to 3 hours to fully work
    •OTC version not for children under 12 years old
    •Higher risk of certain side effects in older adults and people with kidney problems
    •Might not work as well as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) for relieving heartburn and healing stomach ulcers
    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 vs. Mylanta Maximum Strength

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

  • Warnings of Pepcid vs. Mylanta Maximum Strength

    Common Side Effects for
    •Confusion and other side effects related to the nervous system in some people
    •Masking of possible stomach cancer
    Common Side Effects for
    •Toxicity from too much magnesium
    •Toxicity from too much aluminum

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

    Learn more about Famotidine
    Learn more about Mylanta maximum strength

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