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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)

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Mylanta Maximum Strength

 

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Summary for Pepcid

Prescription or over-the-counter

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.

Indications for Pepcid

Pros and Cons for Pepcid

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Pepcid

Warnings for Pepcid

  • Confusion and other side effects related to the nervous system in some people
  • Masking of possible stomach cancer

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 Pepcid vs. Mylanta Maximum Strength

Price Card Drug Icon
Famotidine60 tablets / 20mg
$10.61$31.97
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Price Card Drug Icon
Aluminum Hydroxide/Magnesium Hydroxide/Simethicone1 bottle / 355ml of 400mg/400mg/40mg/10ml
$14.43-
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