Zegerid vs. Mylanta Maximum Strength for Heartburn: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Key takeaways

Zegerid (omeprazole/sodium bicarbonate) 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. Zegerid is a combination of a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) and an antacid, while Mylanta Maximum Strength is a combination of antacids and an antiflatulent. Zegerid is available both over-the-counter and by prescription and is used for conditions like stomach ulcers, GERD, and erosive esophagitis. Mylanta Maximum Strength is available over-the-counter and is used for short-term relief of heartburn, sour stomach, indigestion, and gas. Zegerid is typically taken once daily on an empty stomach, while Mylanta Maximum Strength can be taken multiple times a day as needed. Zegerid can cause side effects like headache and stomach pain, while Mylanta Maximum Strength can cause diarrhea and nausea. Both can interact with other medications. Zegerid contains sodium and may not be recommended for those on a low-sodium diet, while Mylanta Maximum Strength contains magnesium and may not be recommended for those with kidney problems. Your pharmacist or prescriber can help determine the best medication for you.

Zegerid

(omeprazole / sodium bicarbonate)

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Mylanta Maximum Strength

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Summary for Zegerid

Prescription or over-the-counter

Zegerid (omeprazole / sodium bicarbonate) is a combination medication used to treat conditions related to having too much stomach acid. This medication is typically taken by mouth once daily. But don't take it longer than what your provider recommends. Doing so raises your risk for side effects, such as bone fractures or low magnesium levels. Zegerid (omeprazole / sodium bicarbonate) is available as a powder that can be made into a liquid suspension for people who have trouble swallowing pills.

Indications for Zegerid

Prescription-strength Zegerid (omeprazole / sodium bicarbonate) capsules and suspension:

Stomach ulcer
Duodenal (first part of small intestine) ulcer
Heartburn and other symptoms related gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
Erosive esophagitis (inflammation of the esophagus) due to GERD
Lower the risk of stomach bleeding in hospitalized people (suspension only)

OTC Zegerid (omeprazole / sodium bicarbonate) capsules:

Frequent heartburn

Konvomep (omeprazole / sodium bicarbonate) suspension:

Stomach ulcer
Lower the risk of stomach bleeding in hospitalized people

Pros and Cons for Zegerid

Pros

Available over the counter
Packet form is a good option if you have trouble swallowing pills
Typically taken once daily
Available as lower-cost generics
Longer-lasting relief than some other medications for heartburn

Cons

Takes 1 to 4 days to ease heartburn
Has sodium, so not a good option for people on sodium-restricted diets
Typically has to be taken on an empty stomach before meals for best results
Can interact with other medications
Long-term use can weaken your bones and cause low vitamin B12 and magnesium

Common Side Effects for Zegerid

Headache (3-7%)
Stomach pain (2-5%)
Diarrhea (3-4%)
Nausea (2-4%)
Gas (3%)
Vomiting (2-3%)

Please note: These side effects were reported in clinical trials by people who took omeprazole only. The side effects you experience from Zegerid (omeprazole / sodium bicarbonate) might differ.

Warnings for Zegerid

Follow up with provider needed
Kidney damage
Severe skin reactions
High sodium content
Acid and base out of balance (Milk-alkali syndrome)
Severe diarrhea
Bone fractures
Lupus
Interactions with other medications
Low vitamin B12 and magnesium levels
Small growths in the stomach

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