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Prevacid vs. Mylanta Maximum Strength

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

Key takeaways

Lansoprazole (Prevacid) and Mylanta Maximum Strength (aluminum hydroxide/magnesium hydroxide/simethicone) are both used to treat heartburn and related symptoms, but they belong to different medication classes. Lansoprazole is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) that reduces stomach acid production, while Mylanta Maximum Strength is a combination of antacids and an antiflatulent that neutralizes stomach acid and relieves gas. Lansoprazole is available both over-the-counter and by prescription, and it is taken once daily, typically before meals. In contrast, Mylanta Maximum Strength is available over-the-counter as a liquid and can be taken multiple times a day as needed. Lansoprazole is also used for conditions like GERD and ulcers, while Mylanta is for short-term relief of heartburn, sour stomach, and gas. Common side effects of lansoprazole include diarrhea and belly pain, whereas Mylanta can cause diarrhea and nausea. Lansoprazole may interact with medications like methotrexate and warfarin, while Mylanta can interfere with the absorption of other medications, such as azithromycin and levothyroxine.

Lansoprazole

(Prevacid)

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Mylanta Maximum Strength

 

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Summary for Prevacid

Prescription or over-the-counter

Lansoprazole (Prevacid) a proton-pump inhibitor (PPI). It treats heartburn, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and other similar conditions by lowering the amount of acid produced in the stomach. Lansoprazole (Prevacid) is available over the counter (OTC) for adults only, while providers can prescribe lansoprazole (Prevacid) for children and adults. Lansoprazole (Prevacid) is taken by mouth, typically once daily for most conditions. Although there aren't many noticeable side effects on a day-to-day basis, long-term use of lansoprazole (Prevacid) can raise certain risks like bone fractures.

Indications for Prevacid

For adults only:

For adults and children:

Pros and Cons for Prevacid

Pros

  • Can continue to use with antacids, such as calcium carbonate
  • Available as over-the-counter and lower-cost generic options
  • Capsules can be opened and sprinkled over soft foods (e.g., applesauce, yogurt)
  • Typically few to no noticeable day-to-day side effects

Cons

Common Side Effects for Prevacid

  • Diarrhea (4%)
  • Belly pain (2%)

Warnings for Prevacid

  • 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
  • Caution use in people with phenylketonuria (PKU) - orally disintegrating tablets only

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 Prevacid vs. Mylanta Maximum Strength

Price Card Drug Icon
Lansoprazole30 capsules / 30mg
$12.53$35.13
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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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