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Zantac vs. Mylanta Maximum Strength

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

Key takeaways

Ranitidine (Zantac) and Mylanta Maximum Strength (aluminum hydroxide/magnesium hydroxide/simethicone) are both used to treat heartburn and other stomach conditions. However, they belong to different medication classes. Ranitidine is a histamine H2 antagonist that was used to reduce stomach acid, but it has been discontinued in the U.S. Mylanta Maximum Strength is an over-the-counter antacid and antiflatulent that neutralizes stomach acid and relieves gas. Ranitidine was available in oral and injectable forms, while Mylanta is available as a liquid taken by mouth. Mylanta can cause side effects like diarrhea and nausea, and it may interact with other medications, making them less effective. Mylanta is not recommended for use during pregnancy and should be used cautiously in people with kidney problems due to its magnesium and aluminum content.

Ranitidine

 

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Mylanta Maximum Strength

 

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Summary for Zantac

Prescription only

Ranitidine is an H2 blocker that reduces the amount of acid the stomach produces. It's used to treat conditions like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and ulcers. It was recalled in 2020 due to safety concerns about a chemical impurity, but it has since been reformulated and is now back on the market. Your dose depends on why you’re taking it, but it’s usually taken by mouth one to four times a day. Side effects include headache, dizziness, and feeling tired.

Indications for Zantac

Pros and Cons for Zantac

Pros

  • Reduces stomach acid for ulcers and GERD
  • Can be used in adults and children
  • Works pretty quickly, within hours for GERD

Cons

  • Might need to take multiple times a day
  • Interacts with many medications
  • Not as strong as PPIs for severe symptoms

Common Side Effects for Zantac

  • Headache
  • Tiredness
  • Dizziness
  • Diarrhea
  • Constipation
  • Stomach pain
  • Nausea

Warnings for Zantac

  • Risk of hiding symptoms of a more serious problem
  • Medication interactions
  • Allergic reactions

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 Zantac vs. Mylanta Maximum Strength

Price Card Drug Icon
Ranitidine60 tablets / 150mg of
$17.86$458.13
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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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